Electric player using 1/2 size bass.

[Chris Rapadas]

Hello all,I am new to the double bass.I have been playing electric for over 15 years and,have decided to start playing DB.I have my first bass coming in a couple of days it is,a LIDL 1/2 size.My thoughts were I would have an easier time transitioning from 34"-35" scale to a 39" string length.Does this make any sense?

My other concern is,will a teacher take Me serious with this bass?I have decided to approach DB as a totally new instrument.So, I will be seeking a teacher to bring me from the bottom up.The bass cost Me $265 shipped on a greyhound so it's not that big of a deal.BTW I'm 5' 11" so.....

Any input would be great and,thanks in advance.....,Chris.

[Michael Case]

I see several problems with this. First is you'll have to adjust to a 3/4 sized bass anyway and getting a 1/2 size really doesn't help the transition. Secondly, when you want to get a 3/4 bass it will be hard to sell the 1/2 size bass since it's not a desirable instrument due to it's smaller size.

If it's not too late, cancel the 1/2 size order and get a 3/4 sized bass. It's not that hard of a transition. Trust me, I went from EB after about 15 years to DB and while it does take time, the size difference is quickly manageable.

[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?

[Richard Prowse]

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?

Hi Chris, Richard here. I once bought a 1/2 size bass for a theatre gig... I was between owning 3/4 basses and this was the only one available. I adjusted quickly and don't feel that it hindered my playing.
Michael Case gives good advice, but you have to deal with the reality of where you are. My present bass is a fraction shorter than a 3/4 and, when I play other basses, it takes a little time to adjust, but not long. As you play the 1/2 size just think how a bigger bass would feel. I'm serious!
Get your technique going on this bass and start planning for a bigger version when finances allow.
Good luck.
Don't forget to check out the 'Down Here (NZ)' thread in the Bull Pit.
Ciao
Richard

[Ken Smith]

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?

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..

[Chris Rapadas]

Richard,Ken,Thank You guy's so much!I was hoping for good advice and this Forum really delivers.I am really excited to be a member here and,think it's just awesome to get information from Great players such as yourselves.

I will now be a regular here.I feel much more comfy here than in other forums(I will use those for BG)..But, Ken's corner is the cat's meow!!

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

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

I may be wrong (what, me wrong?) but I've read that in Beethoven's day the lousiest musicians (presumably string players) were put onto double bass and told to 'double the cello part' (an octave lower, of course). They weren't expected to 'get' all the notes.
Isn't it a bit easier though, Ken, when there's 6 or 8 of you playing the same part? I did some jazz gigs with Gordon Brisker in 1997 (my dad died while we were on tour... so I missed the latter gigs) and there were some pretty important people in the band. He called some hard (and fast) tunes and you had to nail them... there was nowhere to hide! Both disciplines (jazz & classical) can be the test of a man IMO.

IMO is Ken's Corner talk for 'in my opinion'.

[Chris Rapadas]

Originally Posted by Richard Prowse

I may be wrong (what, me wrong?) but I've read that in Beethoven's day the lousiest musicians (presumably string players) were put onto double bass and told to 'double the cello part' (an octave lower, of course). They weren't expected to 'get' all the notes.
Isn't it a bit easier though, Ken, when there's 6 or 8 of you playing the same part? I did some jazz gigs with Gordon Brisker in 1997 (my dad died while we were on tour... so I missed the latter gigs) and there were some pretty important people in the band. He called some hard (and fast) tunes and you had to nail them... there was nowhere to hide! Both disciplines (jazz & classical) can be the test of a man IMO.

IMO is Ken's Corner talk for 'in my opinion'.

Richard,I know that's how it is.BUT,...I will be playing(on a few songs) DB in a Indie,lo-fi setting,i.e. Tom Waits,..ect..So,I will be playing gigs with DB before I (in My mind)I even know how to play it.I guess I'm overconfident but,..Heck!!!

On another note,I want to ask,what do you(or anyone) think I should begin my DB studies in?Jazz?Classical?I respect and love all music.I'm thinking Jazz since I don't know if I will ever play in an orchestral setting.
But, ya never know!.....maybe both!!BTW it's great to be starting with a clean slate!(I will be able to learn things the rite way!!).....Chris.

BTW,I played on a bandstand from the 4th to 12th grade so I remember 6-8 people playing the same part!Trumpet though,...wrong clef......