ambient Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 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 ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatback Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted August 21, 2015 Author Share Posted August 21, 2015 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubsonicSimpleton Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Just buy Marcs Czech Ease, smaller than a 1/2 size but proper scale length and pro quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted August 21, 2015 Author Share Posted August 21, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 If you can get one for £100 why not try it for yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilp Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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