The Bass Bar Double Bass Stand

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The double bass is generally tuned in fourths, in contrast to other members of the orchestral string family, which are tuned in fifths (for example, the violin's four strings are, from lowest-pitched to highest-pitched: G–D–A–E). The standard tuning (lowest-pitched to highest-pitched) for bass is E–A–D–G, starting from E below second low C ( concert pitch). This is the same as the standard tuning of a bass guitar and is one octave lower than the four lowest-pitched strings of standard guitar tuning. Prior to the 19th-century, many double basses had only three strings; "Giovanni Bottesini (1821–1889) favored the three-stringed instrument popular in Italy at the time", [15] because "the three-stringed instrument [was viewed as] being more sonorous". [22] Many cobla bands in Catalonia still have players using traditional three-string double basses tuned A–D–G. [23] This guide is intended to give you a rough idea of the size of instrument you or your child will require. Please note that this is a rough guide only. For best results, you should consult with our string experts or your teacher before purchasing or renting.

From the 1960s through the end of the century Gary Karr was the leading proponent of the double bass as a solo instrument and was active in commissioning or having hundreds of new works and concerti written especially for him. Karr was given Koussevitzky's famous solo double bass by Olga Koussevitsky and played it in concerts around the world for 40 years before, in turn, giving the instrument to the International Society of Bassists for talented soloists to use in concert. Another important performer in this period, Bertram Turetzky, commissioned and premiered more than 300 double bass works. These two bows provide different ways of moving the arm and distributing force and weight on the strings. Proponents of the French bow argue that it is more maneuverable, due to the angle at which the player holds the bow. Advocates of the German bow claim that it allows the player to apply more arm weight on the strings. The differences between the two, however, are minute for a proficient player, and modern players in major orchestras use both bows. Clean your double bass every time you play. Wipe the strings, fingerboard and body clean of fingerprints and oil from your skin, and to restrict the chance of rosin dust building up on either the strings or the body. A higher grade of timber is used to create these double basses, and more highly skilled labour is required - resulting in a higher quality of workmanship. You should be looking for a tighter consistency in the grain across the instrument, which helps the tone of the instrument. Instead of adding a fifth string, musicians will have an extension added to their bass to allow them to play even lower!Double bass players use various accessories to help them to perform and rehearse. Three types of mutes are used in orchestral music: a wooden mute that slides onto the bridge, a rubber mute that attaches to the bridge and a wire device with brass weights that fits onto the bridge. The player uses the mute when the Italian instruction con sordino ("with mute") appears in the bass part, and removes it in response to the instruction senza sordino ("without mute"). With the mute on, the tone of the bass is quieter, darker, and more somber. Bowed bass parts with a mute can have a nasal tone. Players use a third type of mute, a heavy rubber practice mute, to practice quietly without disturbing others (e.g., in a hotel room).

If you’re brand new to double bass, we have lots of resources to help you get started, right here on our blog. We’d recommend having a read of our size guide to see which size may suit you best. We offer double basses in all the different sizes and prices to ensure you can find the perfect fit. The double bass is probably one of the most versatile instruments in an orchestral lineup simply for the fact that you’ll find it in a lot of other genres of music.The fingerboard is typically made of ebony, perfect for fingering and bowing, and the ideal tensile strength for extended playing. However, you may also find a double bass with five strings with a fifth string added to the higher register. The double bass as a solo instrument enjoyed a period of popularity during the 18th century and many of the most popular composers from that era wrote pieces for the double bass. The double bass, then often referred to as the Violone, used different tunings from region to region. The "Viennese tuning" (A 1–D 2–F ♯ 2–A 2) was popular, and in some cases a fifth string or even sixth string was added (F 1–A 1–D 2–F ♯ 2–A 2). [29] The popularity of the instrument is documented in Leopold Mozart's second edition of his Violinschule, where he writes "One can bring forth difficult passages easier with the five-string violone, and I heard unusually beautiful performances of concertos, trios, solos, etc." But, since double basses are so quiet, orchestras need anywhere between four and eight bassists in the string section.

The Education Department in Queensland has set the standard at primary school Grade 3 for stringed instruments and Grade 4 for wind and brass. This works very well for us in QLD, because generally by Grade 3 we find most children have better attention and retention. This also works well for group lessons with an ensemble focus. As a result, double bass players often have some of the biggest muscles in the orchestra. 2. The Double Bass Goes by Other Names

General Accessories

Only changed it because the lower arms that support the bottom of the bass were too low for me. This one seems to have movable arms.[/quote] Because of its body size and low tuning, the double bass is one of the quietest stringed instruments in any orchestral lineup. There are so many things to consider when you’re starting a new musical instrument, whether it is the double bass or the clarinet! It can feel a little overwhelming - what age is best to start, what accessories do I need, will I even enjoy this? We’re here to make the start of your musical journey a little easier - we know exactly how you’re feeling and it’s our pleasure to share our advice with you. This guide is perfect for parents or adult learners themselves. If your child is learning at school, the teacher will be following a carefully planned roster of work that allows the students to learn without “gaps”. Accessories [ edit ] A wooden mute attached to the bass bridge to make the tone darker (a drawing from 1900)