Electric Upright Bass

The electric upright bass is a hybrid instrument between the bass violin and the regular bass guitar. It actually was invented before the bass guitar. In many cases it has a more classic sound, similar to a bass violin or cello. It is much smaller, however, making it easy to transport.

The electric upright bass is not as common as the bass guitar, but it is used in many jazz bands. It comes in different shapes, some of which look like skinny bass violins, and others that just look like a long wooden box with strings running the length of it. Clevinger is a brand that makes a number of these instruments, which can easily cost in the thousands of dollars.

Technically, the double bass, which the electric upright bass is styled after, is the large acoustic instrument called the bass violin, but experts say this name is a misnomer. The cello is actually the deepest member of the violin family. The double bass is named this because it is twice the size of a cello, and its Italian name "contrabasso," literally means "double bass." It does not have double strings like a mandolin.

Some models of electric upright bass fit on a stand, while others have a peg at the end on which they can be stood. Some hobby craftsmen enjoy creating these instruments in their shops. The amplification is accomplished with acoustic transducers.

The electric upright is sometimes called the stick bass, or by the abbreviation EUB. The tuning of the four strings are to E, A, D, and G, just like the bass guitar or the double bass. The neck of the upright bass usually gets wider toward the bottom of the instrument. Sometimes the EUB is used with a bow, but it depends on the model of the individual instrument. Some have a wide, flat bridge that makes it necessary to play the instrument with fingers.

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