Double Bass Lessons

Learn to play the Double Bass. Double Bass tutors throughout the UK; more welcome.

The Double bass is the largest string instrument and, perhaps unsurprisingly, is also the lowest-pitched. Its not inconsiderable bulk means that anyone considering purchasing this musical instrument needs to think very carefully about both transporting and storing it. A typical double bass in its storage trunk can easily weigh over 30kg and its sheer size makes it difficult to carry around.

The double bass' name comes from the original usage of the instrument which was to echo (double) the bass part of the cello but at an octave lower. Although it has obvious similarities to the violin and cello, it is not a scaled-up model of these other string instruments. The distance from the top to the back is proportionally a lot higher for the double bass and, unlike the violin with its bulging shoulders, the double bass' are much more acutely shaped. The double bass also has a metal geared pegbox (like a guitar) unlike the other string instruments which rely solely on friction.

The early double bass instruments had only 3 strings and were often referred to as 'bass violins'. Nowadays, like other members of the string family, it has 4 strings.

Buying a new double bass is not to be undertaken lightly. Even the most budget-priced of these musical instruments will cost around £1000 and a top-quality instrument will easily set you back £25000 or more. A modern carbon-fibre case will cost a further £3000 and a bow likewise. Even a set of strings can easily cost £200.

A double bass is typically made of a variety of woods - here is a rough checklist of the sort of specification that a reasonable quality student's instrument should achieve:

Fingerboard, top nut and bottom saddle - ebony
Machine heads - chrome plated or brass with smooth action
Bridge - maple with brass or aluminium height adjusters
Tailpiece - boxwood, fruitwood
Endpin - chrome-plated with a brass key

If you are on a budget, try to get a bow, strings and a block of rosin included.

Check to see that the endpin is strong as this has to bear the whole weight of the instrument and part of the weight of the musician as they lean upon it while playing. Look also to see that the glue joints are holding firm and that the spruce is not cracked - a sign of damage caused by heat and humidity changes.

The double bass is played by either drawing a bow across the strings (as with other stringed musical instruments) or by plucking (called pizzicato). The use of the bow is usually restricted to modern, classical and Latin music and pizzicato is used when playing jazz, blues and rockabilly music.

Now all that stands between you and making music is to just book up some Double Bass lessons.

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