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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/264145
alfiedog - Posted - 06/05/2013: 03:55:58
Hi all. I have been given a Cello, that was being thrown away, its in great condition. My question is can, and has anyone on here ever tried converting a Cello into a small upright bass ? Thanks.
steve davis - Posted - 06/05/2013: 04:05:24
Just put in a long spur to stand.
Our bass player uses his cello when convenient such as boat cruises or out in the woods.
Jammed with a long spur stand up cello at Charlie Pike's farm many years ago.
Dr. Jug - Posted - 06/05/2013: 06:05:11
I've played a 'cello as a kinda bass and it was no problem. The tuning is CGDA though. Can't see it working at regular bass pitch, a sixth lower.
Prof - Posted - 06/05/2013: 06:40:59
I would guess that the correct type of strings could get you to the correct octave, just because I attended a jam a couple weeks ago where someone played a ukelele bass, that had very rubbery strings -- was amazed at the low sound coming out of that little instrument!
Tom Smith - Posted - 06/05/2013: 06:45:46
I've seen 'em used as such in string band music ...
(Norman and Nancy Blake) youtube.com/watch?v=xDIq0IKmQJY
mojohand40 - Posted - 06/05/2013: 07:55:42
I just saw this group at Washington Folk Festival last weekend.
The young lady had an electric cello and used as a bass quite well! Really great sounding trio.
Dagnabbit - Posted - 06/05/2013: 08:11:43
D'Addario makes a 4/4 cello string set made for tuning EADG.
5B-Ranch - Posted - 06/05/2013: 08:34:00
quote:
Originally posted by mojohand40
I just saw this group at Washington Folk Festival last weekend.
The young lady had an electric cello and used as a bass quite well! Really great sounding trio.
That group is pretty dang good thanks for the link!!!!
mike gregory - Posted - 06/05/2013: 08:38:47
As I understand it, there are various little 9v effects electronic thingies that a signal goes in one end, and comes out the other end an octave or two lower, if the cello can not naturally reach that low with thicker strings, or if the strings are going to ruin the neck.
If I rememb er right, the rubber-stringed bass uke gets its notes from built in electronics translating vibrations, and not from the actual strings.
unclescott - Posted - 06/05/2013: 09:11:37
The Carolina Chocolate Drops are using a cello and it has a great sound.
youtube.com/watch?v=cHCEMHlufrA
Mud Shrimp Moe - Posted - 06/05/2013: 13:48:06
quote:
Originally posted by mike gregory
If I rememb er right, the rubber-stringed bass uke gets its notes from built in electronics translating vibrations, and not from the actual strings.
This is incorrect. I'm not disagreeing to be pugnacious, by the way, but only because I'm a bass player and have played those. I've never owned one, but have played them. The pitch matches a regular bass because the strings actually make that pitch. It's only possible, at that short of a scale and with acceptable intonation and tuning stability, because the strings are made of rubber.
Dr. Jug - Posted - 06/05/2013: 14:16:21
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnabbit
D'Addario makes a 4/4 cello string set made for tuning EADG.
There you go.
mike gregory - Posted - 06/05/2013: 14:41:08
quote:
Originally posted by Mud Shrimp Moe
quote:
Originally posted by mike gregory
If I rememb er right, the rubber-stringed bass uke gets its notes from built in electronics translating vibrations, and not from the actual strings.
This is incorrect. I'm not disagreeing to be pugnacious, by the way, but only because I'm a bass player and have played those. I've never owned one, but have played them. The pitch matches a regular bass because the strings actually make that pitch. It's only possible, at that short of a scale and with acceptable intonation and tuning stability, because the strings are made of rubber.
I sit corrected.
Since pugs are naturally musical, ain't nothin wrong with being part of the Pugnacious PugNation, on a forum discussing music.
5B-Ranch - Posted - 06/05/2013: 16:15:56
Aha so you guys are a couple of Pugnosticators are you? What will the weather be like tomorrow???
alfiedog - Posted - 06/05/2013: 16:36:05
I have been told Fender flat electric bass strings work well on one of these conversions. I am going to put a pickup on it. :-) First job is to learn how to play it !
bnjoplr - Posted - 06/05/2013: 16:59:50
A number of years ago I took delivery of a 3/4 bass. I played at a jam three days later and had a ball thanks to the Marshall Wilburn Murphy Method video. I've since bought a half sized Kay and may have to sell the other due to medical issues.
Norman and Nancy Blake Always sounded great to me!
Edited by - bnjoplr on 06/05/2013 17:08:55
rendesvous1840 - Posted - 06/05/2013: 22:17:29
No need to convert it, it's already a baby bass. It should be as low as an electric bass, maybe lower. You can bow it or pluck it. It won't be as low as a regular bass, but changing the strings to bass strings might damage it. Leave it as is and play bass parts on it.
Paul
dmiller - Posted - 06/05/2013: 22:51:27
quote:
Originally posted by rendesvous1840
No need to convert it, it's already a baby bass. It should be as low as an electric bass, maybe lower. You can bow it or pluck it. It won't be as low as a regular bass, but changing the strings to bass strings might damage it. Leave it as is and play bass parts on it.
Paul
Paul is right. You can get "bottom end" in a tune with a cello, but it won't be like a true bass. However, if you get the sound you're looking for in the tunes you're playing - - - you're good to go.
dawgdoc - Posted - 06/06/2013: 10:23:31
My first thought was, why not play it as a cello? I played for a number of years with a celloist (is that what you call them?) and it was really cool. His was even aluminum (we called it the 'Budweiser'). It sounded great. He finger picked as well as bowed. We had no actual bass, but it sounded fun and it fit in real well.