Umair Gaines
The electric upright double bass, often abbreviated to EUB, is an electronically amplified string instrument. It is constructed like a full-size double bass but is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to transport than its acoustic counterpart. The EUB has a unique sound, retaining some of the tonal characteristics of the double bass, and can be plucked or bowed. It is used in a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, Cuban, and rock. The scale length of EUBs varies, with some models having shorter scales that make it easier for bass guitarists to transition to the EUB. While some musicians prefer the sound and feel of a traditional double bass, the EUB is a versatile instrument that offers a more affordable and portable option for players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Strings | Four-string models are the most common, but 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-string models are also available. |
| Tuning | E,A,D,G (from lowest to highest pitch) |
| Plucking | Can be plucked ("pizzicato") |
| Bowing | Can be bowed, but must have a curved bridge |
| Scale length | Varies from 30" to 42" |
| Fingerboard | Extends over two octaves and usually has side dots for the player's reference |
| Sound | Retains some of the tonal characteristics of the double bass but produces its own unique sound due to electronic amplification |
| Size and shape | Varies; some EUBs have a small body, while others have larger bodies with upper bouts to aid in performing higher pitches |
| Portability | More compact and easier to transport than traditional upright basses |
| Pickup and volume controls | Some EUBs have built-in pickups and volume controls, while others require separate purchases |
| Playing position | Can be played using a long endpin or mounted on a stand |
| Price | More affordable than traditional upright basses |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric upright basses are more compact and portable than traditional double basses
- EUBs are used in a wide range of music styles, from jazz to rock
- The first production electric upright basses were developed in the mid-1930s
- EUBs can be plucked or bowed, but they require a curved bridge for bowing
- Electric upright basses are more affordable than traditional double basses
Electric upright basses are more compact and portable than traditional double basses
Electric upright basses, also known as EUBs, are a more compact and portable alternative to traditional double basses. They are electronically amplified string instruments that produce a unique sound, retaining some of the tonal characteristics of the double bass. EUBs come in various sizes, with some models having smaller bodies, making them more lightweight and easier to transport. This compact design eliminates the bulk of a traditional double bass, leaving only the essential components.
The scale length of EUBs can vary, with some models featuring a shorter 30" scale, similar to a short-scale bass guitar, while others have a longer 42" scale like most double basses. The smaller scale length can make it easier for bass guitarists to transition to the EUB. EUBs also offer different string configurations, with four-string models being the most common, but 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-string variations are also available.
One of the key advantages of EUBs is their portability. Traditional double basses are known for their large size and weight, making them challenging to transport. In contrast, EUBs are designed to be more compact and lightweight, allowing musicians to easily carry them from gig to gig. This portability makes EUBs a versatile option for musicians who need a more convenient instrument without compromising on sound quality.
EUBs can be used in a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, Cuban music, and rock. They can be plucked ("pizzicato") or bowed, providing a full spectrum of tones. Some EUBs have built-in pickups and volume controls, similar to electric basses, while others require separate purchases of piezoelectric or magnetic pickups. Additionally, EUBs may have long endpins for height adjustment or be mounted on a stand during play.
While EUBs offer advantages in terms of portability and versatility, it's important to have realistic expectations regarding their sound. They produce a distinct sound due to their electronic amplification, and while they retain some characteristics of the double bass, they are not identical in tone. For musicians seeking a more affordable and portable option without compromising sound quality, EUBs can be a suitable choice.
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EUBs are used in a wide range of music styles, from jazz to rock
The Electric Upright Double Bass (EUB) is a versatile instrument used in a wide range of music styles, from jazz to rock, and even classical and Cuban music. Its use is not limited to a specific genre, and it is favoured for its unique sound and portability.
The EUB is an electronically amplified instrument that produces a distinct sound while retaining some tonal characteristics of the double bass. Its compact size and shape make it a convenient alternative to the bulkier acoustic double bass. The EUB's body can vary in size, with some models being significantly smaller and lighter, making transportation between gigs much easier for musicians.
The EUB is particularly appealing to bass guitarists who want to explore bowing techniques, as it can be bowed or plucked ("pizzicato"). It also suits musicians who want to play with a bow but do not want to deal with the size and weight of a traditional upright bass. The scale length of EUBs can vary, with some resembling a short-scale bass guitar, making it easier for bass guitarists to transition to the EUB.
While the EUB has its advantages, some traditional ensembles, such as jazz bands, bluegrass bands, and orchestras, may still prefer the acoustic double bass. The EUB is seen as a separate instrument with its own unique sound and playing techniques. It is not meant to be a direct replacement for the double bass but rather a new class of hybrid instrument. Musicians should have realistic expectations and understand that the EUB will not produce the exact same sound as a double bass.
Despite this, the EUB has found its place in various musical genres and is a popular choice for musicians who want a more portable and versatile instrument without compromising on sound quality.
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The first production electric upright basses were developed in the mid-1930s
The electric upright bass (EUB) is an electronically amplified instrument that can perform the musical function of a double bass. The first production electric upright basses were developed independently in the mid-1930s by Regal, Vega, and Rickenbacker.
These companies showcased better-equipped instruments, with Regal's Electrified Double Bass and Rickenbacker's Electro Bass-Viol launching in 1936. The solid centerpiece design with the top headstock and long floor peg became the design standard, which has not changed since. The EUB has a minimal or 'skeleton' body, as it uses a pickup and electronic amplifier and loudspeaker to produce sound. This means that a large resonating structure is not required to project the sound into the air, thus reducing the bulk and weight of the instrument.
The scale length of EUBs varies, with some models similar in size to most double basses at 42", and others with a scale length of 30" like a short-scale bass guitar. The shorter scale makes it easier for bass guitarists to transition to the EUB. The fingerboard extends over two octaves and usually has side dots for the player's reference. The strings are usually tuned to E1, A1, D2, G2, the same pitch as the double bass or bass guitar.
The EUB retains some of the tonal characteristics of the double bass, but being electronically amplified, it produces a unique sound. EUBs are used in a wide range of music styles, from jazz fusion and Cuban music to rock music.
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EUBs can be plucked or bowed, but they require a curved bridge for bowing
The Electric Upright Double Bass, or EUB, is an electronically amplified string instrument. It is used in a wide range of music styles, from jazz to rock, and is known for its versatility. While the EUB has its own unique sound, it retains some of the tonal characteristics of the double bass. One of the key advantages of the EUB is its portability, as it is more compact and lightweight than a traditional upright bass. This makes it easier for musicians to transport their instrument to gigs and performances.
The EUB can be played using a variety of techniques, including plucking and bowing. When it comes to bowing, however, there is a specific requirement for the instrument's bridge. For an EUB to be bowed effectively, it must have a curved bridge. This curved bridge allows the bow to access all the individual strings, enabling a full spectrum of tones, from smooth arco playing to growling pizzicatos. The curved bridge is a crucial design feature that distinguishes the EUB from other bass instruments and expands the range of musical expressions possible.
The scale length of EUBs can vary, with some models resembling the scale length of a double bass at 42 inches, while others have shorter scales of around 30 to 34 inches, similar to a bass guitar. This shorter scale length can make it easier for bass guitarists to transition to the EUB. The fingerboard of an EUB typically extends over two octaves and usually includes side dots as a reference for the player.
Most EUBs feature four strings, tuned to E, A, D, and G, just like the double bass and bass guitar. However, it is not uncommon to find EUBs with five, six, seven, or even eight strings, offering even greater musical versatility. The number of strings and the specific tuning can be customized to suit the player's preferences and the musical style they intend to play.
In terms of construction, EUBs may have a small or large body, with some models including upper bouts to facilitate higher pitches. Many EUBs also have wooden or metal bars that brace the instrument against the musician's body, mimicking the feel of a traditional double bass. While some EUBs have built-in pickups and volume controls, others require the purchase of a separate piezoelectric or magnetic pickup to be attached to the body or bridge.
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Electric upright basses are more affordable than traditional double basses
Electric upright basses, or EUBs, are electronically amplified instruments that produce a unique sound while retaining some of the tonal characteristics of the double bass. They are used in a wide range of music styles, including jazz, Cuban music, and rock music. EUBs have become popular among musicians due to their portability and smaller size compared to traditional double basses.
While the cost of an instrument depends on various factors such as brand, quality, and features, electric upright basses are generally considered more affordable than traditional double basses. For example, a functional double bass typically costs around $1500-2000, while a decent one can range from $3000 to $4000. In comparison, electric upright basses can offer a more economical option without compromising on sound quality and playability.
One of the reasons for the price difference is the construction and materials used. Traditional double basses require a considerable amount of skilled craftsmanship and are typically made from high-quality woods. The process involves intricate work, including properly planing the fingerboard, carefully cutting the bridge, and precisely fitting the soundpost. On the other hand, electric upright basses can be mass-produced with more standardized parts and materials, which can lead to cost savings.
Additionally, the size and weight of traditional double basses pose logistical challenges for transportation and storage. Musicians often need to factor in the cost of specialized cases and transportation methods, which can add to the overall expense of owning a double bass. In contrast, electric upright basses are generally smaller and lighter, making them easier and more cost-effective to transport and store.
It is worth noting that the sound and playability of electric upright basses differ from those of traditional double basses. EUBs may not provide the same acoustic sound and can have limitations in expressing the full range of tones and nuances of a fully acoustic instrument. Therefore, some musicians consider EUBs as supplementary instruments to their primary acoustic basses, especially when portability is a concern. Nonetheless, EUBs offer a more affordable entry point into the world of upright basses, making them accessible to a wider range of musicians.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric upright bass (EUB) is a full-size double bass that can be electronically amplified to produce a unique sound.
The EUB is more compact and portable than a traditional double bass, making it easier to transport to gigs and use on a small stage. It also offers a full spectrum of tones, from smooth arco playing to growling pizzicatos.
The EUB has a unique sound that is distinct from that of a traditional double bass. It tends to sound like a fretless bass guitar, but some models are better at sounding acoustic. The NS Bass, for example, sounds more like an electric bass.
The cost of an electric upright double bass can vary depending on the brand and features. While some models can be more affordable than a traditional double bass, others can be quite expensive. The Yamaha Silent Bass, for example, is considered a high-end option.
There are several retailers that sell electric upright double basses, including the Electric Violin Shop and Gollihur Music. You can also find them on online marketplaces such as Reddit and TalkBass.
