rsk289

[quote name='marvin spangles' timestamp='1331556092' post='1574614'] Hi I'll be interested to see how you get on with the Martin bass. I am going over to England soon to try out a few of the Concert Models. What was it that made you gravitate toward that particular bass. re size I agree with Bilbo that sizes are not that defined. I'd imagine that the Bouts on your bass are quite large. [/quote] I spent a day at Malcolm Healey's shop and tried seven or eight basses out - I'm (will be?) an orchestral player, and found the Martin and another bass (can't remember make - Hungarian) gave the sonorous 'bass' sound I like, the Martin being more consistent throughout the range. So I'm giving it a try - it's difficult coming from a completely uninformed base (sorry), but I'm trying to establish a few set points to go from. Yes, the bouts on this bass are large - 20.5" and 27.5". Does the size of these have an effect on playability? I really am new to this! Having spent years playing an instrument that changes shape while you play it, it feels odd to play one that you have to stretch yourself around...

Thanks for the advice - very helpful and encouraging! I'm currently trying out a Martin 'Concert 4/4', which I picked out of a bunch as I really like the sound (could be the trombone player in me...), but I think this may be too big. I need to break myself into it gently and give it a couple of weeks to get a better feel. Bit confused about this - the label in the Martin says it's a Concert 4/4, but the free string length is 41.5", and the body height is around 45". I don't think this is full 4/4, is it?

How do you choose the right size bass? I've been playing orchestral bass trombone for around 40 years (mid-50s now), but the lip's beginning to fade and I fancy a change. Always fancied the bass as an orchestral instrument, and I have some knowledge of string technique as I started out on violin and used to lead the County Youth. I'm 5' 8", arms a bit on the short side, medium-size hands for a bloke - any pointers?