Are you looking to buy your first double bass? These are large instruments that require space and physical strength not only to hold them and play them, but also to carry them. This is why a standing bass size, materials and strings are the most important things to consider when shopping. Here's what to have in mind.
What's a Double Bass and How It Looks Like?
The double bass is a large string instrument known for its deep, low sounds, and it’s a staple in classical music. It sits in the string section alongside violins, violas, and cellos, bringing those rich, warm tones to the mix. Beyond classical, you’ll find the double bass in all sorts of music like jazz, blues, rock and roll, country, bluegrass, tango, and folk.
Much like the cello, the double bass usually has four strings that can be played with a bow or plucked. It’s tuned in fourths rather than fifths, with the strings going from low to high as E, A, D, and G. While it used to be mainly a group performance instrument, these days, it’s also a popular choice for solo acts. Over time, players have really honed their skills, and the instrument has become easier to handle.
The standing bass, is a pretty big instrument, standing about 1.8 meters tall (hence it's sometimes known as a standing bas). If you're on the shorter side, you can get one made just for you. It's made from various types of wood, including an ebony fingerboard. Similar to the violin and cello, this instrument includes a wooden bridge for the strings, two f-holes, a tailpiece, and a cool scroll and pegbox. Inside its hollow body, there's a soundpost that helps the vibrations move around. Even though it's part of the modern violin family, the bass still has some old-school features, like its sloped shoulders that make it easier to hit those high notes on the fingerboard.
Consider the Materials
Plywood
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, plywood basses are usually the way to go. But keep in mind, that plywood isn't the best material for crafting musical instruments, so these basses often fall short in sound quality. The wood doesn’t vibrate freely, leading to a sound that can be a bit tight, nasal, and lacking depth. Unlike carved basses, plywood ones typically don’t develop a richer tone over time, though there are some exceptions, like the vintage Kay basses from years past.
In certain music styles like rockabilly, bluegrass, and some jazz, plywood basses can actually be preferred over carved ones. Many musicians, especially those with older Kay models, appreciate the distinct sound of plywood basses. They’re also super practical for schools, outdoor gigs, and rougher playing situations.
Some plywood basses come with a carved top and laminated sides and back, which can give them a resonance that standard plywood basses lack. This added resonance can really shine through, especially when you’re using a bow.
Hybrid
Hybrid double basses might cost more than plywood ones, but they’re still a smart buy for beginners. If you're a student wanting a sturdy instrument to improve their skills or for adults who are just starting out with double bass without spending a fortune.
Fully Carved
Most pro players lean towards carved basses because they develop a deep, intricate sound over time. Students should think about getting a carved bass when they're ready to move up to a 3/4 size, usually around the end of middle school. For smaller sizes like 1/2 and below, rentals are a smart choice since parents don’t want to be left with a 1/4 or 1/2 size bass once their kid outgrows it.
Have Size in Mind
For adults, the most common sizes are 3/4, 7/8, and 5/8. The 3/4 size is the most popular and works well for most players. It's the standard size for orchestral and jazz music. The 7/8 size is a bit larger and favoured by orchestral players. Lastly, the 5/8 size is the smallest option and suits smaller adults and those who find 3/4 basses too big.
These sizes aren't standardized, so the actual size can vary between manufacturers and even individual instruments. That's why it's important to try out different sizes and models to find the one that feels the most comfortable to play.
Apart from the bass size, the size of the strings also affects how the instrument plays. Larger basses usually are better with thicker strings, while smaller basses need thinner ones. Choosing the right string size for your bass is crucial because using the wrong size can negatively impact the sound quality and playability of the instrument.
Don't Forget the Strings
When you're dealing with strings, you need to think about how they sound in both the practice space and on stage. This is super important for jazz bassists who want their strings to vibe well with their amp. Picking the right string gauge that matches your playing style is key. It might not seem like a big deal while you're practising, but it matters when you're performing live. Usually, lighter gauge strings are the way to go, no matter what brand you choose.
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