The origin of the name of the double bass stems from the fact that its initial function was to double the bass line of large ensembles. 3. This hefty instrument has several nicknames including
contrabass
, string bass, bass, bass viol, bass fiddle, or bull fiddle.
What are some other names for the double bass?
Double bass, also called
contrabass, string bass, bass, bass viol, bass fiddle, or bull fiddle
, French contrebasse, German Kontrabass, stringed musical instrument, the lowest-pitched member of the violin family, sounding an octave lower than the cello.
How many types of double bass are there?
There are
three general categories
of basses: laminated, hybrid, and carved (sometimes called fully-carved). Laminated double basses are made of plywood and are usually the least expensive.
What member is the double bass?
| String instrument | Developed 15th–19th century | Playing range | Related instruments |
|---|
How many double basses are in the orchestra?
This is the grandfather of the string family. At over 6 feet long, the double bass is the biggest member of the string family, with the longest strings, which allow it to play very low notes. The
6 to 8 double basses
of the orchestra are almost always playing the harmony.
Is double bass loud or soft?
The sound of the double bass is
resonant but not loud
. It is capable of playing solos, but if you give a solo to a double bass, make sure the rest of the arrangement is very quiet so that the solo can be heard.
Is double bass hard to learn?
The double bass is
a tough master – demanding strength, stamina and proper technique from its player
. As the root of the orchestra, musical and rhythmic accuracy are imperative to the success of the whole – requiring plenty of practice and repetition.
Why do they call it a double bass?
The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument
What is a 3/4 double bass?
99.5% of the basses are 3/4 size. But you will find that 3/4 size is by far most common bass size. A 4/4 or full size bass is really considered more of a “jumbo” or “XXL” bass – and mostly they are used in orchestras and by very tall people.
How high can a double bass play?
Modern double basses are usually tuned (low to high) E-A-D-G. The lowest string is tuned to E (the same pitch as the lowest E on a modern piano, approx 41 Hz), nearly 3 octaves below middle C ); and the highest string is tuned to G, an octave and a fourth below middle C (
approx 98 Hz
).
How many bass players are in an orchestra?
In a large orchestra, usually
between four and eight bassists
play the same bassline in unison to produce enough volume. In the largest orchestras, bass sections may have as many as ten or twelve players, but modern budget constraints make bass sections this large unusual.
What does the double bass do in the orchestra?
The double bass is the biggest
string instrument
in the orchestra. It emits low and muted tones, sometimes rhythmic, sometimes long, but almost always incredibly powerful. The double bass part often forms a stable foundation over which the rest of the orchestra’s notes can resound.
Is there a single bass?
One of the most significant advantages of the single bass drum is size. … The sound of the single bass drum hit by two pedals also has the potential to become muddier when recording because there’s so much repetitive force applied in a small area.
What is unique about the double bass?
The double bass is truly a remarkable instrument. It is
the largest of all the stringed instruments that feature in a modern-day symphony orchestra
. Also, it has the lowest pitch amongst all stringed instruments.
Are double basses loud?
Results, at the average note, were as follows: violin, 85.9 db: viola, 79.5 db: cello, 76.52 db: double bass,
75.97 db
. As a conclusion, it is not the biggest instrument having the greater loudness.
Who is a famous double bass player?
Some of the most influential contemporary classical double bass players are known as much for their contributions to pedagogy as for their performing skills, such as US
bassist Oscar Zimmerman
(1910–1987), known for his teaching at the Eastman School of Music and, for 44 summers at the Interlochen Music Camp in …
