Buying an upright bass can be challenging especially if you’re a first-time buyer. These instruments aren’t cheap, so getting the right choice can be stressful. Upright basses are large and heavy instruments, made with different types of wood. You should consider various things such as the weight, type of construction, strings and the climate where you live because extreme weather can damage the instrument, especially if you’re transporting it outdoors. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Construction
Laminated
Laminated contrabasses also known as “plywood” basses, are made using high-quality, thin maple laminates that are pressed and glued for the back and sides. These basses aren’t made from the same materials found at local home improvement warehouses. The preferred shape is achieved by pressing the top and back over a form.
Fully Carved
These are solid wood instruments with no laminated surfaces. Both the top and back are intricately carved, although the back may sometimes be a solid wood flatback. The side ribs are made from solid pieces of wood. The finest basses in the world are typically fully carved.
Hybrid
The hybrid type of construction usually features a fully carved top combined with a laminated body and sides. By using solid wood for the tonally significant top, these basses can often provide similar tonal benefits to a carved bass, while maintaining a price point and level of maintenance more comparable to a laminated bass.
Which One to Choose?
If you are a beginner looking to buy your first instrument or upgrading from a worn-out rental, my recommendation is a laminated bass for several reasons. First, these upright basses are generally more affordable compared to other options of similar quality. Additionally, laminated basses are more durable than fully carved ones. This makes them fit for younger students who may not handle their instruments with the greatest care or for gigging musicians who frequently transport their basses in cars or subways, exposing them to potential rough handling.
Besides, laminated basses are less prone to issues caused by changes in temperature and humidity. This means they require less maintenance compared to fully carved basses, as they remain more stable when faced with climate-related fluctuations. Fully carved basses often develop cracks over time due to seasonal or environmental changes in humidity. The large wooden components of a bass can shrink in low humidity or swell in high humidity, resulting in cracks or openings that necessitate repairs.
A bass that is fully carved should possess a timbre that is “more complex” compared to a laminated bass. This is because it is crafted from a single piece of wood, which naturally results in a more “organic” and rich vibration, unlike a laminated bass that is composed of multiple thin layers of wood bonded together with glue. However, for most beginners or intermediate players, this difference is relatively insignificant. A well-made and properly set up laminated instrument can still produce a really good sound. Opting for a fully carved bass may enhance the tonal quality by an additional 10%, but it also requires more maintenance compared to a laminated bass.
What About Advanced Players?
Once you choose a laminated bass as your first instrument, it doesn’t mean you have to use it forever. As you continue to play and improve, you may eventually want to upgrade to a carved bass. However, you might still want to keep the laminated bass as a backup or for more casual settings.
Of course, if you are an advanced student who has been playing for several years and you are seeking a bass to accompany you to school as you pursue a major in bass performance, or if you are aiming to pursue opportunities in orchestral or high-level jazz performance and recording, a fully carved instrument would likely serve you better.
Ideal Size of Bass
Double basses come in various sizes. It is an interesting fact that the commonly referred to “Full Size” bass is actually a 3/4 size bass. While 4/4 size basses do exist, they’re generally not recommended. They tend to be large, unwieldy, and offer limited options for strings and accessories.Most adult players, as well as growing youth players, typically opt for a 3/4 size bass. If you are at least 132cm in height, this is generally the size you should consider. However, if you are a petite person, a 1/2 size bass might be more suitable.
It’ll be slightly smaller with a shorter scale length. Nevertheless, in terms of portability, a 1/2-size bass does not significantly reduce the effort required to handle it. Avoid choosing a 1/2 size bass solely for easier transportation. A 1/2 size bass has its drawbacks, such as limited string options and accessories like bass bags. Furthermore, half-size basses often have a noticeably reduced volume and tonal depth due to their smaller body cavity.
If your choice is a 1/2 size or smaller contrabass for a student, consider a laminate bass, especially if you aren’t yet an advanced player. The reason behind this is that you’ll likely outgrow the bass within a few years. When that time comes, you’ll need to look for a 3/4 size bass and potentially sell the 1/2 size bass. It’s much easier to sell a less expensive laminate bass compared to a more expensive carved one.
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