Half size double bass.

[ambient]

Any good ?

I want a double bass, I know it'll get me more work.

Whenever possible I like to travel by train. So I'm maybe thinking a half size one.

How do they sound ?

[fatback]

I'm guessing most people will say don't bother. I'm not sure half size is much easier to transport than 3/4 anyhow. They're all a pain in the a***.

Go for 3/4 and the problem will most likely solve itself. Lots of folk on here use public transport, I think.

Or try an EUB?

Whichever you choose, you'll love it and wish you'd done it years ago.

[Bilbo]

I had a half size many years ago and it was crap. Sounded crap, looked stupid (I am 6'1") and was harder to play because I could not really get it to stand up tall enough. My advice; go for 3/4. They aren't heavy, just a stupid shape.

[ambient]

Thanks for your replies.

I've had a 3/4 size one before, and successfully dragged it around the country on trains and the tube.

My main reason, other than size, is price. There's one I was looking at that was a silly price, just over £100 😁.

Edited August 21, 2015 by ambient

[bassace]

I tried one once and although it played like a small 3/4 the sound was unbelievably thin. I'd agree that if portability is the issue an EUB would be the way to go.

[SubsonicSimpleton]

Just buy Marcs Czech Ease, smaller than a 1/2 size but proper scale length and pro quality.

[Mr Bassman]

I got a 1/2 size a couple of years ago to experiment with, it was a cheapish Antonio and was unplayable out of the box, but after some work to the fingerboard, nut & bridge I got it playable and sounding nice with D'addarios

The neck was too skinny for me, I was going to fatten it up with a 1/4" shim under the fingerboard but a good friend liked it as it was and bought it.

It was a doddle to carry one handed.

I still think a decent quality 1/2 size (39") would be be a good choice for anyone using public transport or a small car. If using amplification a good sound can be achieved.

If you've got £3k Clarky is selling his Kolstein Travel Bass https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=898007286912927&set=gm.1686583471561323&type=1&__mref=message_bubble

[ambient]

Thanks for all your input guys.

Unfortunately my budget is only maybe £200 .

I only recently graduated from music college. I have quite a few gigs, but I'm obviously looking for more, and from past experience, I know that having a double bass with make me more employable.

[Mr Bassman]

If you can get one for £100 why not try it for yourself.

[neilp]

I'm not sure a £200 double bass will get you too much work - well, maybe one offs - but if you really want one, a half size really isn't that much smaller or easier to transport than a three quarter, and there are many fewer around. I've got a Czech 1960's ply bass you can have for £200, got a decent set of Spirocores on it