The Double Bass
Even though the double bass was invented around the same time as other string instruments, many people thought it wasn't necessary. Many string quartets just had two violins to take care of the soprano and alto voices, a viola for the tenor, and a cello to cover the bass. In early orchestral pieces, the cello played low notes and did very little melody. The bass would often play the same notes as the cello, but an octave lower. This is called "doubling," hence the name double bass! Over the years, as the orchestras became larger and the cello started getting the melody, the bass became increasingly important in playing the lowest parts.
Why Double Bass?
The double bass acts as an anchor for the string section and is an important part of the lowest voices of modern orchestras. They are often in charge of keeping time in jazz music and the drummer usually follows the bassist.
How does Double Bass contribute to a band or orchestra?
The double bass is a very important instrument in the orchestra because it plays low notes that most other instruments can't play. The bass players balance out the whole orchestra. In general, concert bands don't have stringed instruments like bass, but the bass has been an essential part of the rhythm section in big bands and jazz.
The parts of a Double bass
String instrument have essentially all the same parts. The main difference between them is size.
- The bridge supports the strings and transmits their vibrations to the body of the double bass.
- The f-hole, shaped like a cursive "f", let the sound get out... just like the bell of a trumpet. It also helps amplify the sound.
- The vibrations from the strings create different pitches, depending on the player's position on the fingerboard.
- The tuning pegs make the strings longer or shorter to help tune the double bass.
- The bow has horsehair stretched over the top and is used to play the double bass.
- The player sets the tail spike on the floor and balances the double bass between their legs.
Tips
Be sure to clean your double bass regularly. Use special double bass cleaners instead of household products to protect your instrument.
Rosin is a product you put on the bow when it gets too smooth. You probably won't need to use it that often, even if you play a lot. Be sure not to use too much because you could ruin the bow.
If a string breaks, that means you need to replace it. Usually if one breaks, its not too long before the other three break, so you should change them all at the same time.
Ask your instructor to teach you how to replace the strings on your double bass so you can do it yourself.
If you are having problems balancing your instrument on the floor, you can get a product called a "rock stop" that helps keep you double bass still.
Drastic changes in temperature can damage your double bass. Ask your teacher for some ways to avoid this.
How to pick a good Double bass
Getting your first double bass is a big deal; here are some things to consider.
Full size or fractional? Many students just starting the double bass have trouble stretching their fingers up and down the neck of the instrument. Because of this, many schools and stores offer 3/4 or 1/2-size instruments for students with smaller hands. As you grow, you can get a larger instrument until you can handle a full size instrument. Be sure to check with your teacher or a local retailer to see what size is right for you!
New or used? Your local music retailer will be able to advise you on pre-loved instruments that they have in stock. This can be a worthy alternative. Unless you know specifically what you want, beware of the internet! You will not get the support, advice and service you will get from your local retailer.
If you are going to buy a used double bass, be sure to check the body for any cracks in the wood or imperfections in the carving. Look for signs of wear and see if any pieces are loose or need to be replaced. And since double basses are made from natural material, they don't all sound the same. If you decide to get a used double bass, make sure a professional looks at it to make sure it's a good instrument. You will have it for a while.
Did you know?
One of the largest basses ever built was made in Britain. It was so big that they had to cut a hole in the ceiling and go to the room upstairs to tune it!
