DannyBrerro Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 This has just popped up on Gumtree.. [url="https://www.gumtree.com/p/double-bass/double-bass-b-h-400-1-2-size/1265743450"]https://www.gumtree....size/1265743450[/url] I've been looking to get started on the double bass for a while now, would this be any good for a beginner? I'm worried about the 1/2 size or would that not make much difference in the end? Surely for £100 it's got to be worth a punt... surely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razze06 Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 That's probably a kid's double bass. The scale length is around 37''-38'', according to the seller's measurements. "Normal" 3/4 size DB usually are 42''-43'' in scale length. You can probably play it, but it will feel quite different from a regular grown person DB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyBrerro Posted September 12, 2017 Author Share Posted September 12, 2017 Thanks for the help, probably best to give this a miss and wait to get a proper one further down the line Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petebassist Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 Agree with Razze06 - if you learn on a shorter scale length you'd have to relearn all of your shifts if you later switched to a 3/4 size scale, bearing in mind that there is no definitive size for these, you can get larger half size basses and smaller 3/4 size basses. Also, as a rule of thumb, the nut should be around eyebrow level when you're playing standing up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 I know a couple of good players who play 1/2 size. One for gigs convenience and the other who uses the shorter scale to play demon solos. But they both started on 3/4 and had plenty of experience with those. So I would certainly agree with the posts above that 3/4 is the size that a beginner should choose. You can always opt for 1/2 but not until you've found your 3/4 chops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickA Posted September 17, 2017 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Main thing is ... it just won't sound very good. You could adjust to the scale length so long as you don't get suckered into using four finger technique on a 1/2 size, then move to a 3/4 and find it's impossible and have to learn a whole new technique. .. that said, I use four finger on electric (34" scale) and three finger on my 4/4 double bass (46" scale); but it feels like playing related but quite different instruments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilp Posted September 17, 2017 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Thats because they are entirely different. Just happen to both have four strings and tuned the same. If you want a double bass to sound good, it needs a minimum string length and a certain minimum volume of air in the box. Get a 3/4 and enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted September 18, 2017 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Half size won't be any good as a starter instrument and may even do more harm than good. I would avoid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 Nekromantix use a cello size bass on a long peg (the coffin bass, even has it's own facebook page). Different strokes for different folks... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbie Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 He he, so...probably fair to say that Jay is not in the market for a 1/2 size bass...or a wee coffin... Still, as everyone said, get a 3/4. Peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 (edited) [quote name='The Jaywalker' timestamp='1507219165' post='3384021'] Ah! Some guy (who isnt much of a player) plays a small novelty bass in a novelty band...evidently 2 centuries of pedagogy and received wisdom is suddenly undone...what were we thinking... But seriously, WTAF is it with this "each-to-their-own-and-nobody-should-tell-anyone-anything's-wrong" BS ?!? [/quote] I'm almost afraid to tell you how I play: - a right handed instrument left-handed, without restringing. - use all 4 fingers of my right (fretting) hand in all positions - pizz with my pinky and ring finger together, anchoring on the string below with my index and middle My rockabilly/psychobilly band is getting a lot of fans and doing well on the local pub circuit. So who cares if I play a little unconventionally? Edited October 6, 2017 by Hector Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Haha gotcha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilp Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Well said jaywalker! I have to admit to being thoroughly tired of this "any way you want, it's all good" approach. If you want to be a double bass player, learn how to play a double bass. There is a right way, and in the long run it's the easiest way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilp Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Good old Gary... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 [quote name='The Jaywalker' timestamp='1507219165' post='3384021']... But seriously, WTAF is it with this "each-to-their-own-and-nobody-should-tell-anyone-anything's-wrong" BS ?!? [/quote] Fair enough. Everything you say is wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilp Posted October 15, 2017 Share Posted October 15, 2017 For shame! Peddling outdated concepts such as "teaching" and "good technique"..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 15, 2017 Share Posted October 15, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 28, 2017 by The Jaywalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Nothing wrong with using all 4 left hand fingers independently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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