The materials most often used in double bass construction for fully carved basses (the type used by professional orchestra bassists and soloists) are
maple (back, neck, ribs), spruce (top), and ebony (fingerboard, tailpiece)
. The tailpiece may be made from other types of wood or non-wood materials.
How was the double bass developed?
In 1542
, Silvestro Ganassi developed a bass viola da gamba in Venice, which is often regarded as the “progenitor” of the double-bass. Its sloping shoulders, frets and six strings tuned mainly to fourths (D2, G2, C3, E3, A3, D4) indicate that low bowed instruments emerged originally from the gamba family.
Why are double basses called double basses?
The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. … 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.
How much is a double bass worth?
Hybrid double basses are ideal for those looking to spend
less than $3000
on a double bass. Fully carved double basses are the most expensive, costing anywhere from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands.
What does a double bass belong to?
The double-bass is the
contrabass instrument of the string section
and is not strictly speaking a member of the violin family (violin, viola, cello). The double-bass differs in several ways from the instruments of the violin family.
What is the difference between a bass and a double bass?
The difference between a bass guitar and a double bass is that
the bass guitar is smaller, it’s held perpendicular to the player’s body
, it’s often amplified via a bass amplifier, and it’s played with fingers or a pick. Double basses are larger, they’re stood upright, and they can be played with a bow.
What size double bass should I get?
The standard size for adults is a
3⁄4 double bass
. A large double bass such as a 7⁄8 or 4/4 is very rare and not commonly used unless the person is very tall, 6.5′ + in height or they have unusually large hands. A general rule for children is to choose a bass one size smaller than usual violin size for age.
When did double bass become popular?
Forms of the double bass date from the late 15th or early 16th century and were in common use by
the 18th century
. Ludwig van Beethoven and later composers gave the bass increased importance in the symphony orchestra.
What was the double bass originally used for?
The instrument’s standard English name, double bass may be derived from the size of the double size, since it is approximately twice as large as the cello, or because the double bass was originally used to
double the cello part an octave lower
.
How old is the double bass?
The double bass is generally regarded as a modern descendant of the string family of instruments that
originated in Europe in the 15th century
, and as such has been described as a bass Violin.
What is a 3/4 double bass?
3/4 upright basses are by far the most common and popular size upright bass. … A bass that has a
back 43′′, upper bouts only 19′′ apart
, but has a long neck (say… 44′′ long string length) could easily be put into both the 3/4 category or 7/8 depending on which measurement we’re looking at.
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 …
How tall is a bass in feet?
| Bass Size Height Player’s Age | 1/4 4 to 4.5 feet 7 to 9 years old | 1/2 4.5 to 5.5 feet 9 to 13 years old | 3/4 over 5 feet over 13 years old |
|---|
Why are double basses so expensive?
Bass strings are wider and heavier than regular guitar strings. Therefore, more material is needed for making one bass string than it’s needed for a regular guitar string. Consequently,
bass strings are more expensive than regular guitar strings
.
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.
How much does a beginner double bass cost?
$1500-$3000
These instruments are a fantastic way to start your musical journey (especially if purchased from a reputable music store!) At this price, you’re looking at an entry-level or beginner instrument that is typically factory-made in China.
