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Originally Posted by Chris Rapadas
Michael,thanks for the advice.I really have had those points in mind and, I agree.Unfortunately,it is too late to cancel the order however, I have a luthier who will set it up for Me then maybe I can sell it to recover cost.Thanks again!Anyone else want to chime in?
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DBs are really not that well standardized as for as sizes go. A 3/4 Bass can be anywhere from 40" to 43" string length. I think it's the overall body size that makes a Bass 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8 etc. Older Basses were made for different styles of playing being mainly Orchestral and not Solo or Jazz. Today the desired string length is about 41 1/2" for a professional Orchestral player with the range being 41" - 42" string length. This is found in most 3/4 and 7/8 sized Basses with the 7/8 having a slightly larger body. Many old Italian Basses have smaller measurements having been made for Opera works where size and volume of sound was not needed as much as the later 19th century louder Orchestral Basses.
This is a never ending topic and since I can go on and on, I will end the size lecture with this note. For what you want to do, I don't see any problem with starting with a 39" string length which by the way is closer to a 5/8" size but again, that depends on the body measurements. If it were 41" then it would only be 1 inch longer from the Nut to the Octave (12th fret on a Bass Guitar). That is not a big deal. Also to be considered and understood is that playing in an upright position like you do with the DB hence the nickname 'Upright Bass' your left hand/wrist is in a much more relaxed position able to stretch and pivot easier than when playing Horizontally on a BG which can cause wrist pains when stretching or playing long hours. Therefore the longer string lengths are not really much or a problem until you start getting over 42". My latest Bass acquisition is about a 44 1/2" string length and with a slight adjustment a mere 44 1/4" S.L.. I bought the Bass a in February and played a Concert with it only a few days later switching from a 41" Bass with little difficulty only and I had a huge Bass Solo to play with the Orchestra besides (STRAVINSKY Suite de Pulcinella).
The DB has many more difficulties than just string length. In the Orchestra world, it's just a big Violin meaning that the music you play is similar or the same as the Cello and often close the to Violin in harder works meaning 'no Mercy' given due to size. You play what's written and bite your lip!..lol
Best of luck and keep us informed of your progress. I am sure your questions will turn to playing tips and solutions in the near future..