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Hi Knup, indeed, it is a different instrument.
So I would suggest playing the instrument oriented upright, in the conventional way. In that way proper right hand pizz technique can more easily be used, which contributes to better sound. Consider taking lessons, left hand fingering is also different. The 3/4 is the common size for adults, unless of very small posture, then 5/8 or (maybe even 1/2). Small fractional sizes are usually aimed at young players, and retain less value. Try find a 2nd hand instrument, test drive before you buy, and take an experienced player (or teacher) with you for that.
So I would suggest playing the instrument oriented upright, in the conventional way. In that way proper right hand pizz technique can more easily be used, which contributes to better sound. Consider taking lessons, left hand fingering is also different. The 3/4 is the common size for adults, unless of very small posture, then 5/8 or (maybe even 1/2). Small fractional sizes are usually aimed at young players, and retain less value. Try find a 2nd hand instrument, test drive before you buy, and take an experienced player (or teacher) with you for that.
A 1/8 size DB is more the size, and will have the mid-range emphasis of, a cello. My choice would be to go with a 1/4 size DB. A Kay M-3 or Englehardt EM-3 has a mensure of 35.25" -- very close to a Fender. And it *will* sound like a DB.
In my opinion scales are approximately (inch):
I once tried a cello as a bass, and admittedly that was a ply cello, but I was disappointed in the sound, and when we parted it was a normal cello again. As a cello it was a fair student instrument, and I was truly amazed how it sounded in the hands of the guy who tested it (with a DB bow!). Took him about 7 seconds to decide. But a cello is not a bass.
The problem with putting a DB sideways on your leg is that a DB is much deeper than a BG, and that, and the direction the strings run at, makes proper pizz technique more challenging (wrist bent at awkward angle). In my mind it's more a stage trick, particularly if you do it with a big one (43.3"), but proper playing is best done oriented upright. But that's just my opinion. I believe Mr. Fitzgerald has some videos on YouTube on right hand technique, have a look at those.
I once tried a cello as a bass, and admittedly that was a ply cello, but I was disappointed in the sound, and when we parted it was a normal cello again. As a cello it was a fair student instrument, and I was truly amazed how it sounded in the hands of the guy who tested it (with a DB bow!). Took him about 7 seconds to decide. But a cello is not a bass.
The problem with putting a DB sideways on your leg is that a DB is much deeper than a BG, and that, and the direction the strings run at, makes proper pizz technique more challenging (wrist bent at awkward angle). In my mind it's more a stage trick, particularly if you do it with a big one (43.3"), but proper playing is best done oriented upright. But that's just my opinion. I believe Mr. Fitzgerald has some videos on YouTube on right hand technique, have a look at those.
Last edited:
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A big part of the upright sound is the size of the body. To vibrate that big body you need some fair tension, which comes from long string length. If there were a way to create this sound on a small instrument with a short string length, then basses wouldn't be so big
That is why I suggested a quarter-sized DB over a cello; a cello body is a bit too shallow. And, seated, a 1/4 DB is not all *that* deep -- certainly not too deep to navigate. It is true that played horizontally, some of the upper thumb positions are inaccessible, but for coffeehouse-type gigs that is not an issue. I don't go up there. Heck, even the Regal Bassoguitar in my avatar can be played comfortably across the knee -- something I'm sure the Regal people never imagined when they designed the instrument.
But I agree on the point that if one is playing jazz, best to do it with a 3/4 DB played vertically.
Or one of these 
Ibanez SRF700 Portamento. Think of it as a horizontal DB. Mostly kidding here. (?)
Ibanez SRF700 Portamento. Think of it as a horizontal DB. Mostly kidding here. (?)Some uke basses can get quite close to the sound of an amplified DB(closer IMHO than most acoustic bass guitars) and are a very pragmatic solution if the image isn't an issue and you have limited pack space.
I've goofed around with my cello, trying to play jazz on it. In my view, even for walking bass, cello works better played arco. Playing pizz, you just can't lay into it like on bass. At least, I can't.
Oscar Pettiford was a fantastic jazz pizz cello player, so it's possible.
It won't be any sort of one to one. Your intonation will be all over the place, not impossible, but maybe not worth the several years it will take.
I think you can more easily achieve the sound you want with the right acoustic bass guitar. Have you looked at a fretless acoustic bass guitar? String choice will make a difference too, maybe some sort of flatwound string will do the trick.
I would go down that road, as it would be a much smoother transition and i am confident you can achieve something within the realm of the tone you are looking for. Buying a 1/8 DB turned sideways sounds much more risky.
I would go down that road, as it would be a much smoother transition and i am confident you can achieve something within the realm of the tone you are looking for. Buying a 1/8 DB turned sideways sounds much more risky.