The double bass has been a staple of popular music for a very long time. It is one of the oldest and the largest members of the string family of instruments. It’s played with a bow, but it can also be plucked. In classical music training, it’s played bowed, while in other genres it’s often plucked.
It’s the lowest-pitched bow string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra and the only instrument tuned in fourths. Generally, it has four strings tuned to the notes E, A, D and G, going from the lowest to the highest string. A fifth string can be added below the lowest string and tuned to the note C or above the highest string to allow higher strings to be played more easily.
It’s popular in the orchestra but can be heard in a concert band, chamber music, jazz, rock and roll, the ‘50s style blues, country music, folk music and more. You want to buy a well-built and reliable contrabass and if you’re new to the instrument, here are a few tips that may help you choose the right one for you.
Types of Wood Used in the Make
Double basses are available in three different construction types – laminated, fully carved and hybrid.
Laminated
If you’re looking to buy your first instrument or upgrade from a rental, you may consider laminated uprights for a few reasons. They’re usually the cheapest, but durable and easier to care for, so you can take the time while developing your skills.
Fully Carved
Most professional players play on carved basses. If you can afford one, it’s a good idea to buy it, but first, make sure you’re ready for a 3/4 size bass.
Hybrid
Hybrid basses feature a carved top and laminated sides and back and provide an added resonance. There are some models of hybrid basses that feature carved tops and backs with laminated ribs, designed to provide extra stability. They can be a bit more expensive than laminated models though but are a great option for those who are serious about their playing.
Electric Upright Basses
They don’t have any or have little acoustic sound and are meant to be played amplified. Very often, experienced bass guitarists see them as an instrument that may help the transition to the upright. If you want to learn the electric upright, go for it, but if you are considering using the electric upright to develop skills on the acoustic one, then better get the latter.
Size
Always consider the size of the instrument when looking for the perfect double bass. The 3/4, 7/8 and 5/8 are the most common options for fully-grown players. The 3/4 size is the standard size for orchestral and jazz music and the most common one you’ll find out there. The great thing about it is that it’s suitable for most players. The 7/8 size is slightly larger and is popular amongst orchestral players, while the 5/8 size is the smallest one and suitable for those who find 3/4 basses too big.
But it’s not only the bass size you should consider. The size of the strings plays a role in the instrument’s playability, too. Larger-size basses require thicker strings, while smaller uprights require thinner strings. Make sure to choose the right string size for your bass because the wrong one can affect the instrument’s playability and quality.
Professional Setup
A good setup can make the whole difference between a joyful experience and a not-pleasant one. Therefore, a proper setup from a professional luthier is essential.
Brands and Models
When it comes to upright basses, brands and models don’t matter as much. Much of the experience when playing this instrument is about how it is set up. Two basses of the same brand and model set up with the same string height may still sound different based on what kind of strings each has or the way the soundpost is positioned.
Accessories
You might consider buying a bag to keep your instrument safe and secure. Also, buying a bow is a good idea as most players find that bowing helps them hear their pitch more than plucking. Two types of bows can be used, one that is short and narrow, and it’s played with the bow held downwards like the bows used for violins and violas, and another one that is broader and held palm upwards.
New strings are unnecessary if you’re a beginner but can be added as you progress your studies.
Rent or Buy?
Renting a double bass is a great way to get your hands on the instrument without spending thousands of dollars until you realise whether you love or hate it. Some shops may credit a part of your rental payments to a purchase of the instrument.
Buying makes sense if you’ve been playing the contrabass for some time and have reached the point where you want to take your studies further, so upgrading from a rental to a purchase seems like a decision you won’t regret.
Final Thoughts
Talk to your teacher as they can always provide reliable and valuable guidance on what characteristics to look for in a bass, do your research, compare quality and prices and choose the bass you like the most.
