Double Bass Whats wrong and right about a half size?

[drurb]

^^^^^^

...and you got older and your vertebral discs compressed.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I practiced yoga 3x a week for a couple of years in my mid-fifties and I "grew" an inch. Stretching?

 

[gerry grable]

I hate to stick my nose in here, but I remember that back in the early 60's in Chicago, Ronny Boykins used to have a small bass. I don't know if it was a 1/2 or 5/8, or if he played it with Sun Ra. I do remember asking him about it, and he said, "it's easy to carry around."

 

[Don Higdon]

^^^^^^

...and you got older and your vertebral discs compressed.

If you mean me, I know that to be untrue.

 

[lunarpollen]

I've seen a few rockabilly and psychobilly bands where the bassists played double basses that I would estimate were 1/2 size, as they were significantly smaller. Not bass guitar scale length mind you, a few inches longer. But few noticed upon seeing them and no one at all complained upon hearing them.

 

[p wigle]

If I want to play a 1/2 bass, I dare anyone to say a word. Kind of snobbish,I'd say.

 

[damonsmith]

If you're a badass nobody cares what you play...

Exactly. However, I don't think an adult starting on a 1/2 size is the road to becoming a badass.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Missing Don after reading this again... and Drurb was an asset too.

 

[GretschWretch]

Missing Don after reading this again... and Drurb was an asset too.

Where ARE they? I've seen a few recent Don posts; nothing from Drurb in a long time.

 

[Ortsom]

Don Higdon, no mas; as to the doctor: I too would love to learn from him again, and have the opportunity to disagree with him at times. His absence is a genuine loss to this forum.
While opinions can & will differ, invariably improved views result from an open dialogue between parties, if combined with the willingness to listen & adapt when faced with fact (not prejudice), or even the lack of fact supporting a position. We all need to make compromises and learn. By now, maybe this suffices.

 

[GretschWretch]

Don Higdon, no mas; as to the doctor: I too would love to learn from him again, and have the opportunity to disagree with him at times. His absence is a genuine loss to this forum.
While opinions can & will differ, invariably improved views result from an open dialogue between parties, if combined with the willingness to listen & adapt when faced with fact (not prejudice), or even the lack of fact supporting a position. We all need to make compromises and learn. By now, maybe this suffices.

Dang, I hate to hear this; but I seem late to the party as usual. Yesterday I learned that one of the players in my very first high school garage band (1966) passed. I guess I've reached that point in life where life takes more than it gives.

 

[El Thumpo]

Missing Don after reading this again... and Drurb was an asset too.

I had the same reaction about Don. His dry wit shows, especially in the postwithallthewordsrunningtogether.

The good Doctor, I'm happy to say, seems to remain an habitué of this forum; logged on earlier today. Looking forward to his continued posting.

 

[bassreyes]

I'm 5 ft and I play a 1/2 size bass ,so I think a 3/4 would be fine for you

 

[web824]

...Ain't gonna want NO...?
That is a double negative.
And you are bustin' on his writing skills?

Now he probably thinks it is a good idea to get the 1/2 size!
LOL!

I have to agree about the unneeded focus on grammar. I'm totally amazed with the need for the unkind arrogance from a person who has asked a valid question by another forum member who is simply seeking information.
I'm new, but I check the requested rules that I'm supposed abide by. I saw that u necessary ridicule was not desired.
It woukd be so nice to others who have the same question in mind if the answer could peacefully and thoughfully be on the topic. ...peace

 

[web824]

If I want to play a 1/2 bass, I dare anyone to say a word. Kind of snobbish,I'd say.

Without a doubt, thank you

 

[web824]

I had the same reaction about Don. His dry wit shows, especially in the postwithallthewordsrunningtogether.

The good Doctor, I'm happy to say, seems to remain an habitué of this forum; logged on earlier today. Looking forward to his continued posting.

Love the language! !!

 

[p wigle]

If I want to play a 1/2 bass, I dare anyone to say a word. Kind of snobbish,I'd say.

Agree. I can't even believe this conversation is going on. "The bigger ,the better"? Well, I have seen some Really big basses.

 

[p wigle]

Exactly. However, I don't think an adult starting on a 1/2 size is the road to becoming a badass.

You haven't met me.

 

[web824]

Have you seen rockabilly players technique? I'm pretty sure you'd be more at risk using Simandl than monkeyfisting it on a 3/4 instrument. I think they is more concerned about right hand technique than left hand.



I think that guy is fairly well regarded for rock-a-billy, and his left hand is a less than perfect example of Simandl technique.

Excuse me for interupting. but I'd like to know what is meant by "Simandi" technique if possible please? (I'm also noticing that is left elbow is very low)

 

[web824]

You reinforced the common wisdom quite well. Note that the OP is 5' 10". Of course, it's a matter of the bass that fits you best. At the outset, however, just as you said, unless there are special circumstances or atypical preferences, it's best not to go the small-bass route.

Excuse my interupting, but I'm a newbie. Plesse explain the term "OP".