How can people stand on their double basses?
I have seen some rockabilly gigs where people actually stand on the double bass.
For instance:
and
How is this possible? I haven't tried it myself, but if I try to stand on my double bass, I'm pretty sure it's going to be wrecked.
(4)4 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
Some double-basses are made with solid wood sides and back, which are quite fragile. Other less-expensive basses have sides and back made of pressed laminated wood (plywood) which is much stronger although not as good with regard to tone. I believe that some basses have a pressed laminate wood top as well. If you want to stand or sit on your bass, get the laminated-wood kind!
I have been told that "Reinforced upright basses" are the kind that are strong enough to be stood on, and for rock gigs are better because they have less feedback than a nonreinforced upright bass. However, to get a nice reinforced one I have been told is around 4,000, although I know you can get them for cheaper if you aren't worried about the quality. I have no experience with upright basses, but I am an electric bassist and asked someone I know who plays upright basses and that is what he told me.
The Alcoa Aluminum Basses made from 1928-1932 are perfect for standing on.
Effectively, the image and video prove that a double bass is stronger than you imagine.
There are angles at which you wouldn't want to step on a double bass, but at the positions shown, it will safely hold an average weight person.
You wouldn't want to try this with an expensive instrument, but a rockabilly bassist is unlikely to be using a high-end bass. Subtleties of tone are not important in this kind of music, and there's a certain thrift-shop glamour to having a beaten-up instrument.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.