Double Basses

Double Basses: Vital Members of Any Modern Orchestra

Double basses are bowed string instruments that seamlessly fit in modern symphony orchestras and myriad other music genres, helping performances retain natural acoustic sounds. Find a range of double basses on eBay for different playing skills.

Double basses are regulars in the string section of an orchestra, and also concert bands. The instrument is usually featured in concertos, chamber music, and solo Western classical music. The instrument is used in several other genres, which include 1950s-style rock 'n' roll and blues, jazz, psychobilly, rockabilly, bluegrass, traditional country music, tango, bluegrass, and several kinds of folk music. The name ‘double bass’ stems from the instrument’s ability to double large ensembles’ bass lines.

Like their ability to blend in with any music genre, there are different techniques to play the double bass.

• In an orchestra, you can bow the strings using a horsehair-strung wooden bow, or use your fingers to pluck the strings. Such plucking of strings is referred to as pizzicato.
• In jazz music, double basses are usually played pizzicato. However, in certain jazz performances, you may play melodies on the bass with the bow.
• You may hold the bass' metal strings down against the fingerboard using your left hand, while your right hand plucks or bows the string. To play varied notes on the instrument, you must move your left hand to various positions.
• In rock or jazz bands, double basses are usually connected to a loudspeaker or an electronic amplifier to produce a stronger, louder sound. This renders it easier for the audience and other musicians to listen to the musical notes of the instrument.

Double basses are typically made from wood. The instrument’s body is hollow wood that helps amplify the instrument’s sounds. The body has a wooden neck attached – the neck comes with the flat wooded fingerboard affixed. There are usually four metal strings, which are strung with solid tension onto the neck. At the bottom, there is a peg to stand the bass.

The double bass takes two primary forms or approaches to design: Violin form and gamba form. A few other forms could also be adopted, such as the Busetto shape, and the pear or guitar shape.

• A double bass’ back could be carved and round like a violin, or angled and flat like the instruments belonging to the viol clan.
• The bass features multiple components that are quite similar to a bridge, tailpiece, scroll, f-holes, and other violin family members.
• The sloped shoulders and angled back help with easy accessibility to the instrument, specifically in the higher range. Machine heads invariably get used for tuning purposes.