Thinking of buying an upright bass......

[bassintheface]

So, as the thread title says, I am considering buying an upright.
Initially, it'll just be me at home trying to learn properly, then I may start using it with the band.

I have lots of questions though!!

If I go for a standard, acoustic DB, I'm unsure whether to go full size or 3/4's.
Additionally, I'll need to look at amplifying (if and when I use it with the band - it'll be for a swing type set) - clip on mics etc - I have a sans amp to try as a pre amp (not sure it'll work well - anyone tried it?)

If I do go down this route, I'll probably look at going to play with one of the local Orchestras too, so I can get up to speed quickly -
I also play Tuba and did grade 8 and A Level music on it, so I read etc - I used to play tuba with a few of the local orchestras, so I know a few of the guys.

OR

I get an EUB - I haven't a clue where to start here - obviously the portability thing is a massive bonus.
A friend bought a Stagg one, but had endless issues with it.
Are there any others worth looking at for between £1k and £1500? That's my max budget for either DB or EUB.

Thanks!

[Bilbo]

3/4 is the default size for most musicians nowadays - you rarely see a full-size bass outside of an orchestra and they present real difficulties for jazz players in terms of accessing the full range of the instrument. Personally, I always argue aginst EUBs as they are rarely a satisfactory substitute for the 'real' thing (most just sound like vertical fretless basses). You will get a credible starter double bass for your budget at either Thomann or Gedo Musik but the generally held belief is that you need to hold back about £300 for a specialist set-up, a new bridge, new set of strings etc so think £1200 for a bass and £300 for the work. Scour the Double Bass forums here; they are packed with advice. If you read like you do, you have a head start on most.

[bassintheface]

excellent.
Cheers.
Will make a note regarding replacement bridges on budget instruments!

Thanks!

Edited March 3, 2014 by bassintheface

[fonzoooroo]

+1 on all Bilbo's points.

For me, I'd say it's not worth thinking too hard about an EUB as you've got thoughts of orchestras.

I'd say haggle for a set of GOOD strings with the bass purchase (assuming it'll be from a supplier who also sells strings) - lots of new ones come with horrid thin steel core efforts. Any deal you can do is a good deal, as most of the popular options (especially for classical playing) are £150 - £200 a set. There're endless "what strings" threads on here, so I won't get drawn into that here!)

There should be plenty of choice for your budget, and the £300 should cover pretty much any setup work any bass (old or new) may need.

[bassintheface]

Yeah, think I'm pretty much set on a 'trad' 3/4 DB now.
The Mrs will be chuffed.
4 bass guitars, a Besson Sovereign EEb Tuba, acoustic 6 string, Aguilar TH500, 2 x DB112's, an Ampeg BA300 and now maybe a double bass in my 'room' at home.
Best buy her a new iron or something!

Wow, didn't think a set of DB strings were that much, but I guess thinking of the sheer scale.......

Cool, will make a point of blagging for a deal on strings etc.

Cheers.

Any suggestions for amplifying it in the future?

[Bilbo]

You can get a set of new strings at around £70 and they go all the way up but I reckong £90 - £120 shoudl cover it. Like an idiot, I bought a five string so that's an extra £35-40 every time I change a set (which is NEVER!!! )

[Happy Jack]

Depends on where you'll be playing and what pickup configuration you choose.

In my (limited) experience most DB gigs are backline-provided, so all you need is something like a Fishman Platinum Pro as a pre-amp pedal [i]cum [/i]DI.

If you're supplying your own backline, then you could be starting a long and very expensive journey in search of "your" sound. A number of Basschatters have already made this journey and are better-placed than me to offer advice.

In particular, I've seen/heard the rigs used by Clarky and PTB and they're seriously impressive (and clever) pieces of kit.

If you're not that fussed about getting the perfect tone, then a PlatPro works in front of a lot of different rigs. I've used mine with Gallien Krueger heads and Barefaced cabs without issues. I don't recommend playing a DB through an Orange Terror Bass ... but it will still work.

Edited March 3, 2014 by Happy Jack

[randythoades]

As a new learner myself, I went down the EUB route (a decent one), which, as you point out, is great for portability, and for silent practice at home.
BUT, as hinted at by others, I now yearn for a "proper" DB to play acoustically and think that perhaps I have wasted a lot of time and money with the experience. Granted I can use EUB for practice / backup / somewhere with limited space, but it is honestly a bit of a faff to drag my amp etc to a jam in someones living room where I could just take the acoustic or have to set everything up in the office for a practice, which kind of works against the portability and cost arguments when you take into account your amp head, speakers, cables etc rather than just a DI box. Plus, try as I might, I just can't get it to sound "right"...

[ubassman]

Full size 4/4 basses are really not very 'beginner friendly'. The string length is typically 110cm whereas a 3/4 scale length is about 2 inches shorter at around 105cm - it means you get the same notes just your fingers have to stretch more on a 4/4 which is not fun in low position. Think of 3/4 as normal and 4/4 as super sized ( bigger, heavier, longer but they do have more of growl due to the extra string length) !

Joining an orchestra is an excellent idea - it may be a bit of an ordeal when you first join as typically you will have to read the repertoire and be able to convert that to a note played in the right location with the right fingering but a great way to develop through playing proper music.

Having played EUBs and then DB all I can say is that feels like chewing a toffee with the wrapper on left if you are trying to emulate the DB sound ! That said, if you treat EUBs as a separate instrument they are fantastic for other reasons. A lot depends on the type of music you are making but I wouldnt have thought many orchestras would welcome anything with electrification!

[thisnameistaken]

I agree with everything that's been said above. And if it's a double bass sound you want then an electric upright won't do it for you.

As for amplification any reasonably-transparent bass rig will work, but you may need a specialist DB preamp to bring your pickup or mic's output impedance down to a more sensible value for going into the front of a bass amp, otherwise you just get a horrible weedy sound. A dedicated acoustic preamp also tends to come with features like notch filters and a phase inversion switch designed specifically to help you fight feedback, which is going to be a regular part of your musical life from this point on...