Menu
>
> and why the heck do they call a double bass a double
> bass?
>
> WR
the scale length of an upright double-bass is double the
length of the violincello (cello)...originally the cello
was the bass-iest string instrument...
when the upright bass was invented it was labeled
"double-bass" to distinguish it from the original bass
instrument: the violincello.
your man on bass,
-dp
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Wow, that caught me off guard, that there actually was a sensible
answer - never thoght of that because I never heard anyone but
rockabilly cats refer to it as double bass - how many of those ya
think have started on the cello?
anyway, respectfully
WR
--- In , DP <noetical1@y...> wrote:
>
> >
> > and why the heck do they call a double bass a double
> > bass?
> >
> > WR
>
>
> the scale length of an upright double-bass is double the
> length of the violincello (cello)...originally the cello
> was the bass-iest string instrument...
>
> when the upright bass was invented it was labeled
> "double-bass" to distinguish it from the original bass
> instrument: the violincello.
>
> your man on bass,
> -dp
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
>
Is A Double Bass tuned to the same notes as a Stand up Bass
used for Rockabilly? It seems to be about 2/3rd the length of a
Double Bass.
Jeff(bigtikidude)
--- In , DP <noetical1@y...> wrote:
>
> >
> > and why the heck do they call a double bass a double
> > bass?
> >
> > WR
>
>
> the scale length of an upright double-bass is double the
> length of the violincello (cello)...originally the cello
> was the bass-iest string instrument...
>
> when the upright bass was invented it was labeled
> "double-bass" to distinguish it from the original bass
> instrument: the violincello.
>
> your man on bass,
> -dp
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
>
Jeff:
The simple answer to your question is "yes"...a double-bass
is tuned EADG...(just like a standard 4-string electric
bass)
here's the confusing part: like all stringed instruments,
accoustic upright basses are built in an assortment of
scales. (Sort of like a Jazzmaster has a long-scale neck,
but a Jaguar has a short-scale neck...however both are
still "guitars")... in the double-bass world, scale is
measured with a fraction: an 8/8 double bass is "full
scale", a 7/8 is slightly smaller, a 3/4 is smaller still,
a 1/2 is quite small, and a 1/4 is dinky (almost cello)
sized. the smaller sized instruments are intended for
children or small adults.
In addition, the double-bass has many names that all refer
to the same basic instrument:
double-bass violin
bass viol
bass violin
double-bass
acoustic bass
upright bass
string bass
dog-house bass
slap bass
stand-up bass
orchestral bass
among players, the term "double-bass" seems to be the most
commonly used...but those rock-a-billy dudes have tons of
nick-names they use for the instrument.
For rock-a-billy, the most commonly used instrument is the
3/4 scale flat-back Kay-style double-bass. It is somewhat
more portable than the full scale or 7/8 size orchestral
basses...and it is the historically accurate bass for the
trad rock-a-billy bass players (sort of like the early
P-bass and J-bass are historically accurate for trad surf
electric bassists). Additionally, the full scale
double-bass is usually a high-priced hand-made German or
Czech instrument with a round back...and it's meant to be
played "d'arco" (with a bow)...those full-scale pieces of
musical furniture often run in the $20,000 price range...
In fact, for most "popular" or "modern" styles of music,
the 3/4 or 7/8 sized double-bass is most common...again for
the reasons of portability/durability/cost...most are old
"factory made" basses (like the Kay or the
Framus)...although recently, several bass makers are
offering new hand-made instruments aimed at the
rock-a-billy market...many of these newer hand-made basses
are reasonably priced (not to mention super-flashy and
unique).
Most are flat-back design, although you will still see a
round-back design here and there.
your man on bass,
-dp
--- Jeff <> wrote:
> Is A Double Bass tuned to the same notes as a Stand up
> Bass
> used for Rockabilly? It seems to be about 2/3rd the
> length of a
> Double Bass.
>
>
> Jeff(bigtikidude)
>
>
> --- In , DP <noetical1@y...>
> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > and why the heck do they call a double bass a double
> > > bass?
> > >
> > > WR
> >
> >
> > the scale length of an upright double-bass is double
> the
> > length of the violincello (cello)...originally the
> cello
> > was the bass-iest string instrument...
> >
> > when the upright bass was invented it was labeled
> > "double-bass" to distinguish it from the original bass
> > instrument: the violincello.
> >
> > your man on bass,
> > -dp
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
> >
>
>
>
>
> .
> Visit for
> archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Thanks DP,
Now 2 more questions,
Sometimes when you watch a Classical Orchestra on TV you can see
an extended strait piece for the low string. How much lower
does that extend the range?
And once in a blue moon you see a 5 string Double Bass
is that a Low B like on a 5 or 6 string electric ala KOrn
or Primus?
You'd think I'd know this stuff, since I play bass.
Jeff(bigtikidude)
--- In , DP <noetical1@y...> wrote:
> Jeff:
>
> The simple answer to your question is "yes"...a double-bass
> is tuned EADG...(just like a standard 4-string electric
> bass)
>
> here's the confusing part: like all stringed instruments,
> accoustic upright basses are built in an assortment of
> scales. (Sort of like a Jazzmaster has a long-scale neck,
> but a Jaguar has a short-scale neck...however both are
> still "guitars")... in the double-bass world, scale is
> measured with a fraction: an 8/8 double bass is "full
> scale", a 7/8 is slightly smaller, a 3/4 is smaller still,
> a 1/2 is quite small, and a 1/4 is dinky (almost cello)
> sized. the smaller sized instruments are intended for
> children or small adults.
>
> In addition, the double-bass has many names that all refer
> to the same basic instrument:
>
> double-bass violin
> bass viol
> bass violin
> double-bass
> acoustic bass
> upright bass
> string bass
> dog-house bass
> slap bass
> stand-up bass
> orchestral bass
>
> among players, the term "double-bass" seems to be the most
> commonly used...but those rock-a-billy dudes have tons of
> nick-names they use for the instrument.
>
> For rock-a-billy, the most commonly used instrument is the
> 3/4 scale flat-back Kay-style double-bass. It is somewhat
> more portable than the full scale or 7/8 size orchestral
> basses...and it is the historically accurate bass for the
> trad rock-a-billy bass players (sort of like the early
> P-bass and J-bass are historically accurate for trad surf
> electric bassists). Additionally, the full scale
> double-bass is usually a high-priced hand-made German or
> Czech instrument with a round back...and it's meant to be
> played "d'arco" (with a bow)...those full-scale pieces of
> musical furniture often run in the $20,000 price range...
>
> In fact, for most "popular" or "modern" styles of music,
> the 3/4 or 7/8 sized double-bass is most common...again for
> the reasons of portability/durability/cost...most are old
> "factory made" basses (like the Kay or the
> Framus)...although recently, several bass makers are
> offering new hand-made instruments aimed at the
> rock-a-billy market...many of these newer hand-made basses
> are reasonably priced (not to mention super-flashy and
> unique).
> Most are flat-back design, although you will still see a
> round-back design here and there.
>
>
> your man on bass,
> -dp
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- Jeff <bigtikidude@y...> wrote:
>
> > Is A Double Bass tuned to the same notes as a Stand up
> > Bass
> > used for Rockabilly? It seems to be about 2/3rd the
> > length of a
> > Double Bass.
> >
> >
> > Jeff(bigtikidude)
> >
> >
> > --- In , DP <noetical1@y...>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > > and why the heck do they call a double bass a double
> > > > bass?
> > > >
> > > > WR
> > >
> > >
> > > the scale length of an upright double-bass is double
> > the
> > > length of the violincello (cello)...originally the
> > cello
> > > was the bass-iest string instrument...
> > >
> > > when the upright bass was invented it was labeled
> > > "double-bass" to distinguish it from the original bass
> > > instrument: the violincello.
> > >
> > > your man on bass,
> > > -dp
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > protection around
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > .
> > Visit for
> > archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
>
Jeff:
That "extended piece" typically takes the E string down two
whole steps...to C...I guess you could even design a neck
extender to take the E string down another half-step still,
to B, if you wanted. That low-C note played d'arco (with
bow) sounds awesomely powerful...that's one reason they
extend the range on that string...also so many pieces are
in the key of C or in one of the related keys that contain
prominent C notes in the composition...
Five string double-basses typically either have an
additional "low" C or B string on the E string side of the
fretboard...or they can have an extra "high" B or C string
on the G string side of the fretboard.
The Low B or C extends down into the tuba/bassoon
range...the High B or C extends up into the cello range.
Odly enough, most 6-string basses mimic guitar...they are
commonly tuned E A D G B E'...
I always wondered what a B E A D G B' tuned 6-string bass
would sound like and perform like...maybe that fat B string
would be too floppy, murky, or overpowering???
your man on bass,
-dp
--- Jeff <> wrote:
> Thanks DP,
> Now 2 more questions,
> Sometimes when you watch a Classical Orchestra on TV
> you can see
> an extended strait piece for the low string. How
> much lower
> does that extend the range?
> And once in a blue moon you see a 5 string Double
> Bass
> is that a Low B like on a 5 or 6 string electric
> ala KOrn
> or Primus?
> You'd think I'd know this stuff, since I play bass.
> Jeff(bigtikidude)
>
>
>
> --- In , DP <noetical1@y...>
> wrote:
> > Jeff:
> >
> > The simple answer to your question is "yes"...a
> double-bass
> > is tuned EADG...(just like a standard 4-string electric
> > bass)
> >
> > here's the confusing part: like all stringed
> instruments,
> > accoustic upright basses are built in an assortment of
> > scales. (Sort of like a Jazzmaster has a long-scale
> neck,
> > but a Jaguar has a short-scale neck...however both are
> > still "guitars")... in the double-bass world, scale is
> > measured with a fraction: an 8/8 double bass is "full
> > scale", a 7/8 is slightly smaller, a 3/4 is smaller
> still,
> > a 1/2 is quite small, and a 1/4 is dinky (almost cello)
> > sized. the smaller sized instruments are intended for
> > children or small adults.
> >
> > In addition, the double-bass has many names that all
> refer
> > to the same basic instrument:
> >
> > double-bass violin
> > bass viol
> > bass violin
> > double-bass
> > acoustic bass
> > upright bass
> > string bass
> > dog-house bass
> > slap bass
> > stand-up bass
> > orchestral bass
> >
> > among players, the term "double-bass" seems to be the
> most
> > commonly used...but those rock-a-billy dudes have tons
> of
> > nick-names they use for the instrument.
> >
> > For rock-a-billy, the most commonly used instrument is
> the
> > 3/4 scale flat-back Kay-style double-bass. It is
> somewhat
> > more portable than the full scale or 7/8 size
> orchestral
> > basses...and it is the historically accurate bass for
> the
> > trad rock-a-billy bass players (sort of like the early
> > P-bass and J-bass are historically accurate for trad
> surf
> > electric bassists). Additionally, the full scale
> > double-bass is usually a high-priced hand-made German
> or
> > Czech instrument with a round back...and it's meant to
> be
> > played "d'arco" (with a bow)...those full-scale pieces
> of
> > musical furniture often run in the $20,000 price
> range...
> >
> > In fact, for most "popular" or "modern" styles of
> music,
> > the 3/4 or 7/8 sized double-bass is most common...again
> for
> > the reasons of portability/durability/cost...most are
> old
> > "factory made" basses (like the Kay or the
> > Framus)...although recently, several bass makers are
> > offering new hand-made instruments aimed at the
> > rock-a-billy market...many of these newer hand-made
> basses
> > are reasonably priced (not to mention super-flashy and
> > unique).
> > Most are flat-back design, although you will still see
> a
> > round-back design here and there.
> >
> >
> > your man on bass,
> > -dp
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- Jeff <bigtikidude@y...> wrote:
> >
> > > Is A Double Bass tuned to the same notes as a Stand
> up
> > > Bass
> > > used for Rockabilly? It seems to be about 2/3rd the
> > > length of a
> > > Double Bass.
> > >
> > >
> > > Jeff(bigtikidude)
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In , DP
> <noetical1@y...>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > and why the heck do they call a double bass a
> double
> > > > > bass?
> > > > >
> > > > > WR
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > the scale length of an upright double-bass is
> double
> > > the
> > > > length of the violincello (cello)...originally the
> > > cello
> > > > was the bass-iest string instrument...
> > > >
> > > > when the upright bass was invented it was labeled
> > > > "double-bass" to distinguish it from the original
> bass
> > > > instrument: the violincello.
> > > >
> > > > your man on bass,
> > > > -dp
> > > >
> > > > __________________________________________________
> > > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > > protection around
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > .
> > > Visit for
> > > archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
> >
>
>
>
>
> .
> Visit for
> archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
=== message truncated ===
____________________________________________________
Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
DP, thakns again for all the info on the Double Bass stuff.
Not that I plan on going out and geting one, but good to know.
As for the 6 string electric Bass's
I know the Fender VI is tuned in E or A (4th higher)
But as for most newer 5 and 6 string basses I see at Music shops
around So. Cal. They always have a big huge Low B on them.
It's all the rage for the Rap/Metal crossover, and the Death/
Grindcore Metal stuff.
Jeff(bigtikidude)
--- In , DP <noetical1@y...> wrote:
> Jeff:
>
> That "extended piece" typically takes the E string down two
> whole steps...to C...I guess you could even design a neck
> extender to take the E string down another half-step still,
> to B, if you wanted. That low-C note played d'arco (with
> bow) sounds awesomely powerful...that's one reason they
> extend the range on that string...also so many pieces are
> in the key of C or in one of the related keys that contain
> prominent C notes in the composition...
>
> Five string double-basses typically either have an
> additional "low" C or B string on the E string side of the
> fretboard...or they can have an extra "high" B or C string
> on the G string side of the fretboard.
>
> The Low B or C extends down into the tuba/bassoon
> range...the High B or C extends up into the cello range.
>
> Odly enough, most 6-string basses mimic guitar...they are
> commonly tuned E A D G B E'...
>
> I always wondered what a B E A D G B' tuned 6-string bass
> would sound like and perform like...maybe that fat B string
> would be too floppy, murky, or overpowering???
>
> your man on bass,
> -dp
>
> --- Jeff <bigtikidude@y...> wrote:
>
> > Thanks DP,
> > Now 2 more questions,
> > Sometimes when you watch a Classical Orchestra on TV
> > you can see
> > an extended strait piece for the low string. How
> > much lower
> > does that extend the range?
> > And once in a blue moon you see a 5 string Double
> > Bass
> > is that a Low B like on a 5 or 6 string electric
> > ala KOrn
> > or Primus?
> > You'd think I'd know this stuff, since I play bass.
> > Jeff(bigtikidude)
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In , DP <noetical1@y...>
> > wrote:
> > > Jeff:
> > >
> > > The simple answer to your question is "yes"...a
> > double-bass
> > > is tuned EADG...(just like a standard 4-string electric
> > > bass)
> > >
> > > here's the confusing part: like all stringed
> > instruments,
> > > accoustic upright basses are built in an assortment of
> > > scales. (Sort of like a Jazzmaster has a long-scale
> > neck,
> > > but a Jaguar has a short-scale neck...however both are
> > > still "guitars")... in the double-bass world, scale is
> > > measured with a fraction: an 8/8 double bass is "full
> > > scale", a 7/8 is slightly smaller, a 3/4 is smaller
> > still,
> > > a 1/2 is quite small, and a 1/4 is dinky (almost cello)
> > > sized. the smaller sized instruments are intended for
> > > children or small adults.
> > >
> > > In addition, the double-bass has many names that all
> > refer
> > > to the same basic instrument:
> > >
> > > double-bass violin
> > > bass viol
> > > bass violin
> > > double-bass
> > > acoustic bass
> > > upright bass
> > > string bass
> > > dog-house bass
> > > slap bass
> > > stand-up bass
> > > orchestral bass
> > >
> > > among players, the term "double-bass" seems to be the
> > most
> > > commonly used...but those rock-a-billy dudes have tons
> > of
> > > nick-names they use for the instrument.
> > >
> > > For rock-a-billy, the most commonly used instrument is
> > the
> > > 3/4 scale flat-back Kay-style double-bass. It is
> > somewhat
> > > more portable than the full scale or 7/8 size
> > orchestral
> > > basses...and it is the historically accurate bass for
> > the
> > > trad rock-a-billy bass players (sort of like the early
> > > P-bass and J-bass are historically accurate for trad
> > surf
> > > electric bassists). Additionally, the full scale
> > > double-bass is usually a high-priced hand-made German
> > or
> > > Czech instrument with a round back...and it's meant to
> > be
> > > played "d'arco" (with a bow)...those full-scale pieces
> > of
> > > musical furniture often run in the $20,000 price
> > range...
> > >
> > > In fact, for most "popular" or "modern" styles of
> > music,
> > > the 3/4 or 7/8 sized double-bass is most common...again
> > for
> > > the reasons of portability/durability/cost...most are
> > old
> > > "factory made" basses (like the Kay or the
> > > Framus)...although recently, several bass makers are
> > > offering new hand-made instruments aimed at the
> > > rock-a-billy market...many of these newer hand-made
> > basses
> > > are reasonably priced (not to mention super-flashy and
> > > unique).
> > > Most are flat-back design, although you will still see
> > a
> > > round-back design here and there.
> > >
> > >
> > > your man on bass,
> > > -dp
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- Jeff <bigtikidude@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Is A Double Bass tuned to the same notes as a Stand
> > up
> > > > Bass
> > > > used for Rockabilly? It seems to be about 2/3rd the
> > > > length of a
> > > > Double Bass.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Jeff(bigtikidude)
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In , DP
> > <noetical1@y...>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > and why the heck do they call a double bass a
> > double
> > > > > > bass?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > WR
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > the scale length of an upright double-bass is
> > double
> > > > the
> > > > > length of the violincello (cello)...originally the
> > > > cello
> > > > > was the bass-iest string instrument...
> > > > >
> > > > > when the upright bass was invented it was labeled
> > > > > "double-bass" to distinguish it from the original
> > bass
> > > > > instrument: the violincello.
> > > > >
> > > > > your man on bass,
> > > > > -dp
> > > > >
> > > > > __________________________________________________
> > > > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > > > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > > > protection around
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > .
> > > > Visit for
> > > > archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> > > >
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > protection around
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > .
> > Visit for
> > archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> === message truncated ===
>
>
>
>
> ____________________________________________________
> Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
>
