Linus27 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 As per my thread about electric double bass, I am still unsure if I should go down the electric double bass or maybe go for an acoustic double bass. The issue has now come forward with the possibility that I may be going into the studio in January to record more tracks for the album, with one of the song suitaing a double bass. If I was to go for an acoustic double bass, what would be a good one to start with for someone who has very little experience of playing double bass? I have had some lessons with Jakesbass so know some basics as well as owning an EUB for around 8 months. I will be recording with it and possibly some live work so it has to be good enough for this but obviously I don't want to spend a large amount of money on one. Also, I know nothing about the different sizes, 1/2. 3/4. full etc so again not sure what would be ideal. So any advice appreciated. Of course I could just go for an electric upright but half of me fancies a real double bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMech Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Some more info might be useful, e.g. style of music, expected venue size/volueme etc. Not that I know the answer to your question or anything, just thought it might help those who do give you a more helpful answer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin spangles Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 3\4 is regarded as the standard size. Your best bet if you don't want to spend a large amount of money is a well made plywood with a good set up. Conservatively estimating £1000 -1500 including the set up. Others on this forum speak highly of the cheap basses on the Thomann site. Do a search . In the short term perhaps you could hire or get a loan of an instrument for the recording considering that you only need a double bass for one track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry norton Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 [quote name='Linus27' timestamp='1320450895' post='1427202'] As per my thread about electric double bass, I am still unsure if I should go down the electric double bass or maybe go for an acoustic double bass. The issue has now come forward with the possibility that I may be going into the studio in January to record more tracks for the album, with one of the song suitaing a double bass. If I was to go for an acoustic double bass, what would be a good one to start with for someone who has very little experience of playing double bass? I have had some lessons with Jakesbass so know some basics as well as owning an EUB for around 8 months. I will be recording with it and possibly some live work so it has to be good enough for this but obviously I don't want to spend a large amount of money on one. Also, I know nothing about the different sizes, 1/2. 3/4. full etc so again not sure what would be ideal. So any advice appreciated. Of course I could just go for an electric upright but half of me fancies a real double bass [/quote] The biggest question is what is your budget? The other biggest question is whether you want your recordings to sound like a DB or an electric. An EUB sounds pretty much the same as a bass guitar (unless it's bowed), and asides from the playing style and tunings, they DB and EUB are different instruments. I would say that if you only have a budget of a few hundred quid it's still worth getting a relatively cheap ply DB and spend a bit of cash on a setup and some decent strings. It'll never have the tone or volume of a carved solid top (or a high quality laminated) but IMO even a cheapo DB is better than no DB so long as you've got the budget to make it a bit more playable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 or you could rent one for a while. thwaites, healey or peter tyler could help here. on a broader front, i have just got a copy of ''about the double bass - a players guide' by peter tyler. it's a bit elementary in places but a must for anyone contemplating getting 'into' the double bass. it's £20 from peter at www.tylerbasses.co.uk. michael, do talk to peter; he's a very helpful guy and lives at maidenhead. btw, sorry for all the lower case but the left arm is still in plaster. x-ray scheduled for next thursday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linus27 Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thanks for the help everyone. Really useful and I know twice as much now as I did yesterday As for style of music then I would say fairly Motown. The bass line is simple but effective but would really suit a a double bass tone. Budget is quite small at this stage but only because I don't know how much I am going to use it. No point spending a grand plus if its only going to be used for one track. So with this in mind, I may go with the NS WAV/NSX to have around the house to noodle and practise on but when it comes to recording, I will hire a real double bass. I have the evolving bassist book/DVD but I will also get ''about the double bass - a players guide' by peter tyler and spend the next few months practising and who knows, if I get into it, then I can up my budget and get something better. Thanks for your help everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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