Exploring Double Bass Transport Options in Singapore
* Updated 23rd Apr 2022
Hi everyone, hope you guys are doing well.
I am going to address a problem that double bass players would constantly face, which is transporting the bass from Point A to Point B.
This is a video of how you could load up the bass if you have a sedan or a hatchback:
With the first method of reclining the front seat, you could still have a passenger sitting at the back.
What if you do not have access to your own vehicle? The next alternative would be public transportation.
Bus
If it's a Wheelchair-Accessible Bus, I can get onto the bus from the back door, tap my card and occupy the wheelchair area during off-peak hours. Usually I do so for short distance travel.
MRT
Some friends have attempted to bring the double bass up to the MRT only to be met with scorn (and/or astonishment) from fellow passengers.
If you have really no choice but to attempt that, I'd suggest you do it during off-peak hours.
However, station managers would be entitled to stop you regardless of peak or off-peak so it really depends on your luck.
Cab
Now this will be the most viable option if we decide not to become "Public Enemy No. 1".
Even so, some of the cab drivers will still show you "black face".
So rather than flagging the taxi off the street, I'd usually call or use the app to make a booking. And under comments section(if any) I'd usually put "Instru Transport" or anything along those lines.
Sedan Cab
This is how I'd normally transport the bass, usually I bring it around with the Bass Buggie.
Following the instructions of the previous video, this is how it'd end up on the sedan cab, while I'm seated directly behind the cab driver.
7-Seater Maxi-Cab
*As of recent years (blog post date), I haven't seen a lot of SMRT Maxi-Cabs around.
This is the most comfortable option, the last row seats and second row middle seat (room for the neck and scroll) can be reclined completely, and you will be able to seat a total of 3 passengers (1 front, 2 back) + 1 driver.
However, this is also the most expensive option.
Current Bookings for SMRT Ssangyong 7-seaters Maxi-cab cost 10 bucks and the meter runs like a Mercs. If there additional peak hour surcharges, you might want to consider going for the flat fee instead.
Advance Booking with single trip (Point A to Point B) will be a flat fee ranging from 45-55 bucks.
Hatchback Cab (Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq)
This is the option that I go with because it combines the really affordable rate of a sedan cab and loads up like the Ssangyong (less straining for the back!). Do note that it only allows for one passenger and one driver, both seated in front.
You can either book a cab through the Grab App (hits and misses) or you can simply use the Comfort Delgro Booking App (now called CDG Zig).
I do recommend booking through CDG Zig because there will be a higher chance of getting a Prius/Ioniq as Comfort Delgro Group has both models in their fleet, and their taxi fleet is one of the largest in Singapore
How the bass will fit using a Prius
Bass needs to be slanted to an angle to fit
* As of 27 Oct 2021, the SMRT app has stopped working. You will have to call the SMRT hotline: 6555 8888
If you have an important gig, please consider using the Advance Booking instead.
And be sure to buffer more time for transport.
There was once I hit close to 45 bucks on the meter from the Prius because of the advance booking fee, the peak hour surcharge, the ERP gantry charges, and a slight jam on the expressway.
I'd probably be better off with the Maxi-cab flat fee charge without a heart attack, so please remember to do a rough calculation of the cab charges against likely traffic conditions before embarking on your journey.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I missed out anything in the comments section.
