Double basses, or just basses to some, is the biggest and lowest tuned instruments in the string section. They are usually 6 feet tall and can be tuned down to as low as an E in the first, or lowest, octave. It is used in orchestral repertoire and tango music, also in jazz, blues and rockabilly. It originated in Europe in the 15th century and was described as a bass violin. Although now we know it is much more than that.
It is usually is made of 14 parts:
- A scroll
- Four pegs
- Bass bar
- The belly
- The bout
- Four strings
- A bridge
- Endblock
- A tailpiece
- An end pin
Want to double down to a bass. Visit Mr Dass at the Double Bass Academy today!
Listen to Double Bass No. 2 in B Minor accompanied by a piano from London Symphony Orchestra