If you're just entering the world of music and your choice of instrument is the double bass, then you're probably searching to buy it. This is a large instrument that requires choosing the right size, but also strings, as well the right wood.
So, before buying your contrabass bass, here's what you need to know.
What's a Double Bass?
A double bass is a big stringed instrument with a super low-pitched sound and is commonly used in classical music. It's part of the string section, along with violins, violas, and cellos, and is known for its warm and deep tones. In addition to classical music, this instrument is also used in various genres like jazz, blues, rock and roll, country, bluegrass, tango, and folk music.
Appearance
Similar to the cello, the contrabass bass usually has four strings that can be played with a bow or plucked. Unlike other stringed instruments, the bass is tuned in fourths instead of fifths. The strings are typically tuned from the bottom up to E, A, D, and G. In the past, the bass was a common instrument in group performances, but nowadays, it's also a solo instrument. Over the years, people have improved their playing techniques, and the instrument itself has become more comfortable to play.
Appearance-wise, the double bass is quite large, standing at around 1.8 meters tall. If you're on the smaller side, you can have one custom-made to fit your height. It's constructed using different pieces of wood, including an ebony fingerboard. Like the violin and cello, it has a wooden bridge to support the strings, two f-holes, a tailpiece, and a unique scroll and pegbox. Inside the hollow body, there's a soundpost that helps the vibrations travel. Despite being part of the modern violin family, the bass also retains some features from the old violin family, such as its sloped shoulders that allow players to reach high notes on the fingerboard.
Types of Woods Used for Contrabasses
Plywood
Plywood basses are often the most affordable option out there. However, due to the limitations of plywood as a construction material for musical instruments, these basses usually don't produce the best sound quality. The lack of free vibration in the wood results in a pinched, nasal, and small sound. Unlike carved basses, plywood basses don't tend to develop a richer tone as they age, with some exceptions like vintage Kay basses from several decades ago.
These basses can be preferred over carved basses in certain musical genres like rockabilly, bluegrass, and some jazz styles. Many musicians, especially those playing older Kay basses, seek out plywood basses for their unique sound. They are also practical choices for school settings, outdoor performances, and rough playing environments.
Some plywood basses feature a carved top and laminated sides and back, offering a level of resonance that is hard to achieve with traditional plywood basses. This enhanced resonance can make a significant difference, especially when using a bow. Hybrid models with carved tops and backs and laminate ribs are also available, producing a tone quality close to fully carved basses but with added stability from the laminate ribs.
Hybrid
Although hybrid basses may be pricier than plywood models, they are still a reasonable investment for beginners, typically priced between $2,500 and $7,500. This makes them an excellent choice for students looking to enhance their skills with a durable instrument or for adults starting their double bass journey without breaking the bank.
Fully Carved
Carved basses can range in price from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most professional players prefer carved basses, as they tend to produce rich, complex sounds as they age. It's a good idea for students to consider investing in a carved bass once they are ready for a 3/4 size bass, typically around the end of middle school. Smaller sizes like 1/2 and below are great for rentals, as parents wouldn't want to be stuck with a 1/4 or 1/2 size bass once their child outgrows it.
Size
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 require 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.
Strings
When it comes to strings, it's important to consider how they sound both in the practice room and on stage. This is especially crucial for jazz bassists who need to ensure their strings sound good with their amplifier. Finding the right string gauge for your playing style is essential. While string gauge may not be a big concern during practice, it becomes significant when performing live. Generally, lighter gauge strings are preferred, regardless of the brand.
