How do you mic an upright bass for live performance?

How do you mic an upright bass for live performance?

Use a condenser microphone

1. Use a condenser microphone.
2. Directly in front of Bass and about six inches from the strings.
3. Aim the capsule halfway between the bridge and the bottom end of the fingerboard.
4. Adjust the mic placement moving closer to the bridge.

Is it hard to play upright bass?

Playing the upright is difficult. It’s a physically demanding instrument that takes a long time to work your body, arms, and fingers into being able to play efficiently enough to avoid injuries. You are trying to make telephone cables create a musically pleasing sound (a sound that is quite addictive!).

Is it easy to learn upright bass?

Is it impossible or too difficult to learn they ask? The answer is absolutely NOT! In fact, in some ways, it is easier to start on the upright than on the electric bass. (Electric bass, with it’s fretboard simply laid out and accessible first gives the impression that it is all there for the taking…

How long does it take to learn upright bass?

In about 6 months to 1 year, a beginner with knowledge of some music fundamental should have learned the bass guitar to a good point. While there is still room to learn, he should be able to practice alone and develop himself with little or no guidance.

How much does an upright bass cost?

In the United States I’d say the current price of a reasonable beginner upright bass bought new would be around $1500USD. Less than that and you risk getting a “bass shaped object”.

Is violin harder than double bass?

Double bass is harder if you try to put it under your chin. Violin is harder if you try to stand it upright and bow from the side. Played in their normal ways, however, both are equally difficult to master completely. The bass, especially played pizzicato, is easier to play at a level adequate for many kinds of music.

How do you record a double bass?

Since there is more to an upright bass than bass, try placing the mic closer to the bridge. Use a nice condenser of some kind, moving it around until it achieves a nice tonal balance. Need more low end? Just move it a couple inches closer to the f-hole.

Should I play cello or double bass?

The cello is known as an instrument with a tenor voice. It has a deeper and richer tone than both the violin and the viola. Due to its extra octave range, the double bass is capable of producing a deeper sound that the cello is just not capable of producing.

Can cello players play bass?

Some cello players try tuning the bass in fifths like a cello – and actually enjoy it – either an octave below the cello (on a 34″ bass) or using the cello pitch (on a shortscale). Tuning a bass guitar in fifths, however, increases string tension and can lead to a higher-than-comfortable action or even a warped neck.

Is bass fun to play alone?

There’s nothing wrong with bass without band. Honestly I often find it more convenient (and my live performances have lately been about 50:50 solo vs. accompanied). You can do so much more alone, especially since it’s far easier to break out of the instrument’s traditional role when playing alone.

Is it possible to Mic an upright bass?

There are a few Microphone techniques that can take advantage of the smooth low end of the Stand-Up Bass while still adding some higher-end for full frequency response. The Acoustic Upright Bass is one of the hardest instruments to mic for a number of reasons. The player can make a big difference in the position of the microphone.

Where is the best place to MIC a bass?

The best Bass sound for Recording will be around 2-3 feet away off the f-hole adding depth and fullness with a good working Condenser Mic. Close miking an instrument is often considered less than the best way and to be a compromise to the instrument’s true tonal acoustic sound.

Can a stand up bass be played on stage?

Usually, the Stand-Up Bass is played in a Live setting like a Jazz trio where is placed very close to other instruments on stage. This means there will be a lot of leakage from other musicians that will be picked up by being in the same proximity as the Upright Bass and mics that recording it.

Where does the double bass come from in a microphone?

Bear in mind that the double bass reacts as a huge reflective surface. The incoming sound from other sources (instruments, PA system) might reflect off it and enter the microphone from the front even if the microphone is pointing away from the source.