Approximation for Double Bass Recording Dimensions & Parameters

Fig 2.1: Approximate dimensions of the double bass

as needed to guide the acoustical shell's form.

In order to begin to understand what the form of the acoustical shell should take on, I need to know the approximate size of the double bass. According to The Facts on File Dictionary of Music by Christine Ammer, the double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument of the violin family. Because the dimensions of the double bass range in size, only approximations are needed for the establishing a sense of scale to the acoustical shell in relation to its performer. The approximate full height is 6'-0". Respectively, the widest part of the bass' body is approximately 2'-4" with a depth, including the bridge of around 1'-6".   It can be played by standing up or by sitting on a stool.

Fig. 2.2 Parameters for the bassist and the double bass allow for

comfort and care while recording in the acoustical shell.  

Since the instrument cannot play music without a performer, those parameters were considered as well. In order to give the bassist and the upright bass space to perform for recording purposes with reasonable comfort and care, I erred on the side caution by establishing a 5'-0" minimum diameter and a 7'-0" maximum height parameters for the core of the shell. This means that whatever this acoustical shell takes form of, it will not be smaller than the diameter and not taller than the height given. Along with these parameters, I must also taken into consideration for allowing the performer to get in and out of the acoustical shell without injuring himself, damaging the instrument, and the shell itself.

      

The Preamble

The purpose of this blog is to share and explain my design and fabrication process for creating a "music shell" for a upright bass. You more music savvy people will know this instrument as a Double Bass. Since I have to keep this professional, I'll spare you my personal opinions (even though this is the true essence of a blog) about this part of the experience and focus more on the task at hand.

The music shell for the upright bass is in conjunction with the UNLV HD Studio at the Downtown Design Center. For more on our motives, please refer to http://hd-thebeckeffect.blogspot.com. In regards to why I chose the Upright Bass, has more to do with the admiration of its aesthetic than anything else. However, I was friends with someone in my high school who manipulated this instrument as well. Part of the music shell design is dependent on the size of the upright bass and its user. I will be going off the 3/4 bass size since this is most commonly used by musicians.