Are you lost in the labyrinthine world of upright bass sizes? Understand this now: choosing the right size bass isn't about adhering to rigid measurements, but about finding the instrument that resonates perfectly with your body and playing style.
The quest for the ideal upright bass can feel like navigating uncharted waters. The "science" of bass sizing isn't an exact one. Unlike its violin, viola, and cello counterparts, fractions for basses are pretty far-ranging. This is because the upright bass, an instrument that only recently evolved over the last few hundred years, is still being made by hand by individuals who build them to satisfy their own interpretation of the instrument. This results in a delightful, yet sometimes confusing, array of dimensions. The dimensions can vary based on the instrument’s construction and the player’s preference. The height of a double bass, also known as an upright bass, typically ranges between 180 to 195 centimeters (6 to 6.5 feet).
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Subject | Upright Bass Sizing |
| Key Concept | Finding the right bass size depends on individual needs and instrument craftsmanship. |
| Related Terms | Double bass, string length, instrument size, luthier, bluegrass bass |
| Additional Information | For further reading on upright basses and their history, consider visiting Wikipedia's Double Bass Page. |
Upright basses come in multiple sizes including 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4. This size nomenclature creates some confusion as a 1/2 bass, for example, is not really half the size of a 4/4 bass. As you can see, the sizes are actually only slightly different. These fractional designations are more about relative proportions than precise mathematical divisions. It's not too hard to find 7/8 and 4/4 instruments if you are looking at fine instruments.
To me, 1/2 size basses have a string length of 96 to 98 cm; 5/8, 100 to 102 cm; Above that, with 104 to 106, 3/4; Then, in the range of 107 to 108, 7/8 and, finally, 4/4, for length from 110. That's for the string length.
Most of the basses on the planet are considered to be 3/4 size, so when a non-expert refers to a bass as full size there is a good possibility that the instrument in question is actually a 3/4 size bass. A full 3/4 size bass. The upper bouts measure 20 1/8, the lower bouts 25 3/4, and the length of the back, 44 the string length is 42 sold. Most of the basses on the planet are 3/4 size, so when somebody refers to full size one can usually assume that the instrument in question is actually a 3/4 size bass.
Basses a bit larger than 3/4 are often called 7/8 size, and basses a bit smaller than 3/4 are often called 5/8 size. Much larger and the bass might be called 4/4.
It's crucial to remember that playing a bigger bass does not necessarily guarantee better sound. The quality of the instrument is a far more important factor. An instrument crafted with care and precision, regardless of its size, will always outperform a poorly made, oversized one. I do think 7/8 has become more popular in recent years.
Here are the average sizes for student’s grades. If your child is smaller or larger adjust accordingly. Upright bass sizes here are the average sizes for student’s grades. If your child is smaller or larger adjust accordingly. 4th grade average size: 5th grade average size: 1/8 bass 5th grade average size:
One maker's large 1/2 size bass could be another maker's 5/8, or another maker's petite 3/4. A 3/4 bass sizes can vary from what people think or use to measure and determine which factors are most important in declaring the size.
With golden music, we deliver to you for free, so if the size is off, we will bring you the correct size for no charge. With golden music, we deliver to you for free, so if the size is off, we will bring you the correct size for no charge.
3/4 upright basses are by far the most common and popular size upright bass.
If you are an adult anywhere near average size looking for your first double bass, this is the size you want. You can stop reading now.
Consider this, the Cecilio CDB size 4/4 black upright double bass with an adjustable bridge, bow, rosin, and gig bag is a readily available choice.
An adjustable bridge can be a godsend for your upright bass. Offered here in the most common 3/4 size, as well as for 1/4, 1/2, 7/8 and 4/4 size basses, an adjustable bridge can be a godsend for your upright bass. It gives you the ability to vary the action for different styles, lower for jazz styles, where fingerboard buzz is a welcome seasoning, in the middle for general play where you want more note.
Unlike most bass guitars and similar instruments that have adjustable truss rods, the relief is planed into an upright bass fingerboard. This is necessary to avoid getting buzzing from undesired string/fingerboard interaction in some positions, and it must be done carefully if you want very low action from your instrument. Omni basses have an unusual conic section fingerboard:
Upright bass used by a bluegrass group; The cable for a piezoelectric pickup can be seen extending from the bridge.
Purchase of upright bass case. Posted by yolanda nussdorfer on jul 9th 2021. I could not be happier with this case. Very well built and very easy to use. On my own, unlabeled, oddball bass, the bass bar was set so far in that I had to use a 1/4 bridge and add spacers above the adjusters to make it work. It came to me with a very wide 4/4 bridge with the bass foot sitting fully off the bar. Sounded loud but lacked focus. Bass sounds nicely balanced with the smaller bridge.
For electric upright bass (eub) string accessories; For electric upright bass (eub) string accessories;
I haven’t touched it in years as I play the guitar. Beautiful sound perfect for high school or college level skill set. Retail would be over 5000 comes with a bow and soft case.
