Double Bass What bass do I buy?

[6stringUpright]

Hi, Im looking for a little help with upgrading my bass.

Currently I have a Pietro Lombardi 4-string double bass, 3/4 size. It’s in pretty good shape besides the 3 small cracks on the rib (already fixed) and some small scratches and I’m looking for a big upgrade. But I don’t think it’s anything big enough to take down the price I think… correct me if I’m wrong tho.

A couple things I kinda need on the bass tho;
- I switch a lot from arco to pizz so if there’s a bass out then that’s good for both that’d be great.
- either an extension or a 5 string with a low B. I’m honestly really scared of getting an extension just because they're expensive and hard to fix but if there’s a 5 string (high C) with an extension on the E… I’m going to go for that
- so I don’t know a lot about basses fully build wise but from experience I really like curved bridges. (where the string meets the bridge I mean) it’s just a lot easier to play. Idk if I can switch bridges tho, like idk how that works.

The top thing would be a low B or the extension because a lot of the music that I play requires low D. That’s really all I need on it, nothing special I guess. I’m looking at the Stonington Model 5-String Double Bass with Extension right now as my top choice but I’m very open to other basses.

but the main thing I’m asking is;
- where’s a good place to buy?
- 5 string (low B) or extension?
- should I avoid certain bass manufacturers?
- since it’s a lot more expensive bass, should I buy a hard case?

but yea there’s my questions and such. Thanks for reading,

Sincerely,
6stringUpright

 

[LouisF]

Have Upton build you what you want.

 

[srbbass]

I would personally choose an extension over a 5-string. I've never played a 5-string in a shop that had the projection of a 4-string with an extension. My understanding is that the 5th strings can put too much tension on the top table for a bass to resonate fully. (There's a reason Baroque soloists played 3-string basses!) But I am sure they are out there given the many European orchestras that use them. I say find a 4-string you love the sound of and drop the extra few grand for a sweet extension. People always want to ask about the extension too, so that's extra fun. Extensions are removable so you will always be able to sell your 4 string to a purist later if you so decide.

 

[SAlcott]

The European orchestras whose players use 5 string basses generally own the basses. They tend to be old, purpose-built and big, with mensures starting at 43". If you just want a low D, get a D extension with an E closer and you're good to go.

I don't understand your comment about "curved bridges".

I've never heard a bass with high C that I liked the sound of except for some classical soloists using high (ADGC) solo tuning, and I didn't care much for it even then.

 

[fdeck]

- since it’s a lot more expensive bass, should I buy a hard case?

I've never seen a bass being transported in a bass trunk, at least for regular local / regional gigging. Those things are heavy and huge. For better or worse, transporting a bass in a bag is one of the costs of doing business for bassists. Of course there are more protective bags.

 

[SAlcott]

Hard case-no. Padded bag from Messina. Bobelock, Tonarelli.....any bass shop will have or be able to order.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Where are you? We may be able to recommend a shop or two in your area.

 

[Elk]

IMO, unless you know exactly what you want don't go dropping a whole bunch of money on a big upgrade just yet. The Lombardi is a nice bass. A good luthier would take it from a nice bass to an exceptional bass. In your shoes, I would probably just get a extension for the Lombardi for now.

 

[Sam Sherry]

The top thing would be a low B or the extension because a lot of the music that I play requires low D. That’s really all I need on it, nothing special I guess.

Easy: For less $150 try the HipShot DB Bass FreeRange XTender

Precision d-dropitude at the flip of a lever, maestro.

 

[6stringUpright]

Have Upton build you what you want.

They do that? That’s pretty cool

 

[6stringUpright]

Where are you? We may be able to recommend a shop or two in your area.

IL

 

[dperrott]

I assume you are a younger player. You have a lot of varied ideas. 4 string, 5 string both possible with an extension, and a hard case. I suggest you play as many basses as possible. Play your collogues instruments. Go to shops. Often I think people have very intellectual ideas but just need to play a variety of basses. I've played probably one of the biggest basses ever and it had a small sound. I've played small basses with huge sounds. The last few basses I really liked were 5 strings and I wasn't looking for one. So my point is play as many as you can. You have to find the right instrument. Its like finding a life partner. Does your partner need to have blue eyes? Well you are omitting a lot of people if that's the case. Lastly what is your budget? Yes you may not want to publicly say but it has to be taken in consideration. Looks at luthiers sites and get an idea of prices. If you think about getting a new bass made you must play basses of the maker prior to it, at least in my opinion.

 

[groooooove]

Easy: For less $150 try the HipShot DB Bass FreeRange XTender

Precision d-dropitude at the flip of a lever, maestro.

I'm really surprised this is not more common. assuming you play on metal-core strings, they work very well and are so cheap.

 

[Elk]

I'm really surprised this is not more common. assuming you play on metal-core strings, they work very well and are so cheap.

I only just learnt they exist. Hipshot need to market it better because it's a good idea.

 

[SAlcott]

I'm really surprised this is not more common. assuming you play on metal-core strings, they work very well and are so cheap.

From what I've read, they do pretty well dropping a whole step to D; any further, and tuning on the other three strings is affected.

 

[groooooove]

From what I've read, they do pretty well dropping a whole step to D; any further, and tuning on the other three strings is affected.

yes. if you use spirocores or similar strings, going from E to D works very well.

I played a bass with one installed with a full set of evah and it was much less reliable.

going lower than D i think is an unrealistic expectation, but for the $150 it costs, it does a nice job.

 

[oldNewbie]

IL

Several places in Chicago will have a wide range of instruments to try, someone will have the Hipshot. Even if you are some distance, make the trip and squeeze them all into one day, call first.

Sonksen Strings
A440
Chicago Bass Works

 

[mtto]

I play a 5 string bass and I love it. Tomoya Aomori was the original owner, and has YouTube videos from circa 2013 playing the bass. He tuned in 5ths, but I tune in 4ths. It's a Shen copy of a bass built by Robert Spear, a student of Carleen Hutchins. Spear's Singing Woods Violins website is down, so I don't know if he is still making instruments, but I highly recommend investigating Hutchins "violin octet" instruments.

In town, I use a soft case, but the bass has a detachable neck and a hard case for flight. Just got back from a week in Vienna, and the case worked great.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Your questions show that you’re not a mature enough player to have grown out of what you already have. To most people, a vague sense of “there must be a better bass that does it all” isn’t enough reason to spend $20,000.

Play more basses. Talk to other bassists. Pick teachers’ brains. Give it time.

Whatever you do, try not to find out the hard way why so few Americans play five-string doublebasses.

 

[Ed S]

Illinois is a LONG state. You could be closer to Chcago or St Louis. I'd recommend you travel to one or the other and get a feel of various instruments. Fivers aren't for everyone.

Not meaning to be insulting, but from your OP it is hard to tell what your experience/goals/budget are. (I also want to know about the "curved bridge" that you like!). No need to offer any more, but not doing so will limit our ability to provide any meaningful assistance.

Before your post, I had never heard of a 5 string with an extension. Sure sounds like a lot of bass! More that I will ever be able to use.

If the Upton is what you want, get it. Some folk around here will tell you Upton basses are overpriced. You'll have to decide for yourself. I'd imagine that would be a pricey purchase...