The Steel Guitar Forum

Okay, I know this is a Steel Guitar Forum, and I just bought an MSA Dual 10 from a member and I have played Country Music fo 50 years. So can I please go off-topic for a moment?

I am originally a Bass Player. PLayed on the ET Record Shop a few times>

Ayway, I know a lot of you guys are play a lot of different instruments as I do.

I want to buy an upright Bass. Not sure what the difference is between a 3/4 or a 4/4.

I have several conventional 4 and 5 string Basses. But would love to have a standard upright nasvile session Bass>

Does anybody have one for sale? I dont habe anythinf to trade, but will pay a fair price for a good used Uprigh!

Dennis

Bassist here as well.
Not usually someone to tell others what they want, and do not want. But, in this case; i think it is unlikely you will want a 4/4 upright. 3/4 is the standard (full) size. I'm 6'3" and I play a 1/2 size. I tried a 4/4 once, it is crazy big. When I get a lesson from a better bassist from time to time, they usually want to play my 1/2 size. One of my old instructors has completely moved from 3/4 to 1/2. Much easier to transport. If you are mostly doing sessions, a 3/4 or 1/2 should be fine. Just make sure whatever you get fits in your vehicle. I used to carry around a 3/4 size in a jupiter sidecar rig and had to sawzall the passenger opening bigger to get the bass just to sit in it. Be prepared to spend $100 - $150 on a set of strings.

4/4 body height ~75" scale length ~43.5"
3/4 ~71.5" ~41.5"
1/2 ~65.5" ~38"

My 1/2 size is an old German ply bass and the body is 68.5" and the scale length is 38.5". The longer the scale length, the tighter/harder the strings.

If you think PSGs are expensive, a 3/4 bass travel case (just the case) can cost $5k.

They are wonderful instruments.

THANKS
Just trying to learn the ropes. Sounds like 3/4 is where I want to be, I am 5'7"

Played Bas for 50 years, but never an upright>

I am very interested in a lot of the old NAshville Uprightg bass tunes

Tammy Winnett, Charlie Price, and a lot of old country standards wit upright bass rather than Fender Jazz Bass 4 strings

Looking to buy one soon. Have cahsh in hand fo a good Bass. Ship ASAP

Anyone ?

If you are only doing country...Maybe keep an eye out for the old Kay uprights. They usually come with a good thump and can typically be had for under 2k. There is a fellow in North Carolina that specializes in old Kay basses and restores them. Maybe give him a call and see if he can recommend something. Kaybassrepair.com . To really get your mouth watering, start looking for the ALCOA basses. These were made from aluminum, something steelers should appreciate. Unfortunately, they can be substantially more than 2k due to rarity.

Go to talkbass.com and then go to the double bass forums. I'm primarily a bass player who dabbles in pedal steel. I've been on talkbass for years and you can get some good advice and find good instruments for sale there. Yes, you probably want a 3/4 size instrument. Most of the double basses you'll see played in bluegrass, jazz, and even orchestras are 3/4 size. If you're into classic country double bass, most of those recordings were likely made with Kay, King, or American Standard 3/4 size basses. None of these instruments are in production anymore, so you have to find a used one. Good luck!

Dennis Whitley wrote:Not sure what the difference is between a 3/4 or a 4/4.

The 4/4 burns longer

Check out the Upton Bass company in Mystic, CT. They build a variety of styles with great care. You can get a handmade plywood German style bass for 2k. They sound and look incredible. Also have a vintage/used inventory. They know exactly how to ship a bass properly.

You can actually get a 3/4 into a lot of cars.

Engelhardt is also an option and I believe they're still made. They use the old Kay templates or at least reproductions of the templates.

This also a great site for instruments and info.
https://www.gollihurmusic.com

I play an Upton bass. Also the folks at Fretwell Bass in Stauton Virginia have 30-40 basses ready to go in all price ranges.