Upright electric bass

[fairweathertuba]

I really like the sound of an accoustic jazz bass I'd like to have one but perhaps that would be a little impractical for me at this time, howver I was thinking of getting an upright electric bass for doubling. Stagg seems to make a nice sounding one, anyone have experience with these? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJViDdqUYyo

[TubaCoopa]

While I couldn't recommend a particular brand, my experience is that you need to know what you're getting with an upright electric. By their very nature, they are rather flimsy to play. With an upright acoustic, you have the whole body to brace against yourself, while an electric cannot. It is certainly an acquired feel. Also be aware that many upright electrics simply sound like a regular electric bass. It seems like the more expensive models are the ones that get that more "upright" sound. Nothing can beat the sound of a real upright acoustic, but if you want to have a "mostly" authentic upright feel, an upright electric would be a worthwhile purchase.

[iiipopes]

On Talkbass.com there is an entire section devoted to EUB's.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f101/" target="_blank

[tubaforce]

Hi!
I have a Chinese NS Design 4-string Upright, and I love it! You do need a pre-amp, but I now have a set up I can carry all at once! Tuba (wheeled case), Mark Bass Mini(will amplify the low "B" string on my accoustic!), Stick Bass(stand is in gig bag), and 5-string Carvin AC50! One Trip! I just hope someone can get the door! The sound of the NS is marvelous! Bowed, it sounds like several String Basses! The Pizz is very authentic, with lots of thunk! Mine had problems at first, but NS sent the brown truck, and fixed it FREE!!! And installed the upgraded hybrid strings(Helicore) at cost! I don't think they make the Chinese version anymore, but they have a Czeck version still around $1,100.00 from my good friend Bob Gollihur(google him), and other sellers! I think Bob is the best(no, he's not in the Tuba Biz), but He's been a mentor to me in my personal business ventures, so I am a bit biased !

Good luck,
Al

[Tom Mason]

Are you looking for something that feels like an upright but electrified, or something that is electric sized and upright in dimensions?

My personal experience is that you get an upright feel if you get something that has two main characteristics:

1. A span of 41 1/2 to 42 inches from nut to bridge.
2. A string heigth from strings to fingerboard that gives you closeness without string buzz.

There are some models that have a 35 to 36 inch span that mimics a regular electric bass. If you get one of those, then you are going to get more of an electric sound. If you get the longer span, then the strings respond more like an upright.

Check these options out when you look at the model you mention. Also, in order to get a truer upright sound, be ready to add or change pickups such as Joe suggests.

[iiipopes]

Indeed. All these details, and more, to the point of ad infinitum ad nauseam, as well as dedicated threads for each particular commercially available model, are discussed on the link I posted.

[fairweathertuba]

On Talkbass.com there is an entire section devoted to EUB's.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f101/" target="_blank" target="_blank

Wow, great link. Thanks!

Thanks everyone for your responses, I will check into the various makes and models pretty closely before buying. There was a Stagg upright delivered to a local store here, but unfortunately had been damaged in shipping so I couldn' t try it.

[iiipopes]

You're welcome. Just be careful. If you think that the TNFJ can get cross-ways with somebody, the gallery on TalkBass can be downright ruthless.