Comparison Between the Double Bass and the Electric Upright Bass

With the popularity of Yamaha's SLB (silent bass) series, it seems that electric upright basses (hereinafter referred to as EUB) have gained more acceptance than before. Personally, I have previously owned and used the Landscape’s SWB-STD.

Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of the double bass and the EUB.

Yamaha / SLB300 Silent Bass

Landscape / SWB-STD DBK Upright Bass

① Appearance


The double bass is surprisingly large when you actually hold it or place it in a room. It’s about 180 cm in height and roughly wider than 1.5 people. Many people who have been in clubs may have used the soft case as a sleeping bag during camp.
On the other hand, the EUB comes in various shapes and sizes depending on the manufacturer and model. For instance, Yamaha's SLB series includes a frame shaped like the instrument itself, while models from Landscape or NS Design have a more simple, stick-like appearance. Generally, EUBs take less space and are easier to transport compared to double basses.

When you actually place it in a room, it looks like this. For safety reasons, ideally I would want to lay it flat, but it doesn’t fit within the space of a tatami mat (approximately 1.8 square meters).

NS Design / NXT4 Amber Burst

② Price

The double bass is generally considered a higher-end instrument in terms of price. Entry-level models typically range from 200,000 to 400,000 yen.
Professional musicians often own instruments in the 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 yen range, and prices can go much higher and instruments considered to be masterpieces can command even higher prices.On the other hand, EUBs can be found in the 100,000 to 200,000 yen range in our inventory, making them more accessible compared to double basses.

Ibanez / UB804-MOB

③ Acoustic Sound and Practice Spaces


Among acoustic instruments, the double bass has significant volume and sound pressure, making it challenging to find suitable practice spaces. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the natural sound quality is the double bass's greatest selling point.
The EUB, like electric basses, is designed to be used with an amplifier. However, some models still produce a considerable amount of natural resonance (body sound). The low frequencies can resonate within a building more than you might expect, so it’s wise to avoid playing late at night depending on your living environment.



④ Pickups and Sound Making with an Amp


Regarding the EUB, as mentioned earlier, it’s designed to be used with an amp, so it almost certainly comes equipped with either a piezoelectric or magnetic type pickup.
For amplifying a double bass, you need to install a pickup. Piezo pickups are more commonly used than magnetic ones because they can capture the sound of both pizzicato and arco playing. However, even with piezo pickups, reproducing the double bass's natural tone through an amp can be challenging. Therefore, it's common to use a microphone to capture the acoustic sound and then amplify it or blend the microphone's sound with the piezo pickup's output before sending it to the amplifier.
There are clip-on microphones designed for instruments like those from Neumann and DPA that can be attached to a double bass for this purpose.

Neumann / MCM 114 SET for Double Bass

DPA / 4099-DC-1-201-B Bass Set

The two representative types of piezo pickups commonly installed on double basses are listed down below.

Fishman/ BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup

Realist / WBASS-PU

In situations where a high volume is required, piezo pickups are prone to feedback due to their high impedance. Therefore, EUBs with magnetic pickups are often easier to work with for sound making.
Additionally, using magnetic pickups on a double bass is an option, and it is quite common among rockabilly bassists. However, as mentioned earlier, achieving the characteristic tonal qualities of the double bass through amplification is even more challenging with magnetic pickups compared to piezo pickups.

⑤ Suitable Genres

It goes without saying that the double bass is more suited for genres that are closer to acoustic music. This includes classical music where bowing is prevalent, as well as jazz, which often involves ensemble performances with other acoustic instruments.

There are definitely genres where the EUB is more suitable. In genres oriented towards club, rock, and pop, the EUB’s advantages in handling volume and its visual appeal often make it a better fit. Its ability to easily manage sound levels and its modern look can complement these styles effectively.

Summary

In summary, I have compared the double bass and the EUB across five key points. The double bass clearly excels over the EUB in terms of acoustic sound, particularly its tone and sound pressure. The choice between the two instruments often depends on how important these acoustic qualities are to you.
One approach could be to start with an EUB, which is more accessible and easier to handle, and then try the double bass later. This can be a practical way to experience both instruments and determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.