How big is the size difference in a 1/2 and 3/4 upright bass?

Question

I know that 3/4 is the standard size, but if I had a chance to get a 1/2 size, would I be missing out on anything? I'm about 6 foot tall if that matters.

For Butter....I have email available on here. There was no need to ruin my question about upright basses with your political commentary. This is a violation of Y!A and you have been reported. I hope they ban you. GO USA!

Answer 1

If you are 6 foot tall then you should get a 3/4 bass. You will be disappointed with a shorter scale, and will have trouble transitioning.

For Butter. What is wrong with you? Where did that come from? Have an agenda?

Answer 2

The 3/4 is the most often used upright bass. There is an actual 4/4 bass but it is so big most people don't use it. Per my "Guide to Teaching Strings" textbook, here are the measurements of basses.
Size overall length body length string length typical age
3/4 71.75"-72.5" 42.5"-43.75" 40 5/8"-41 5/16" 11-adult
1/2 65.5"-65.75" 40"-40 1/8" 37 3/8"-38" 9-13

As it seems, the size really won't make a difference other than the space you move between notes. On another section it gives the finger placement measurements between a 1/2 and a 3/4.
size dist. from nut to 1/2 pos. dist from nut to 1st pos.
1/2 1.75" 3.5"
3/4 2" 4"

As you can see, the differences of the space you move will be the only issue. The only other issue I can think of (remembering that I don't play bass other than a very rudimentary level) is that at 6' tall, you'll really have to reach to get to the bowing area and the low positions on the strings with a 1/2 compared to a 3/4 bass.

Hope this all helps.

Answer 3

4/4 (full) :6' 7"
3/4: 6'2"
1/2: 5'8"

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