Double Bass

General info:

The double bass, also called the string bass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument of the viol family. Its strings are usually tuned to E1, A1, D2 and G2. The double bass is played either with a bow (arco) or by plucking the strings (pizzicato). The double bass is a transposing instrument and sounds one octave lower than notated. A person who plays the double bass is usually referred to as a bassist.

History:

The double bass is generally regarded as a modern descendant of the string family of instruments that originated in Europe in the 15th century. In his A New History of the Double Bass, Paul Brun asserts, with many references, that the double bass has origins as the true bass of the violin family. He states that the internal construction of the double bass is nearly identical to instruments in the violin family.

Before the 20th century many double basses had only three strings, in contrast to the five to six strings typical of instruments in the viol family or the four strings of instruments in the violin family.

The double bass's proportions are dissimilar to those of the violin and cello; for example, it is deeper (the distance from top to back is proportionally much greater than the violin). In addition, while the violin has bulging shoulders, most double basses have shoulders carved with a more acute slope, like members of the viol family. Many very old double basses have had their shoulders cut or sloped to aid playing with modern techniques. Before these modifications, the design of their shoulders was closer to instruments of the violin family.

Range:

The written range for the double bass is C2-C5. The lower range of a bass may extend down to C by using a mechanical extension. Some basses have 5 strings to accomodate the low C.

Role:

The double bass in the baroque and classical periods would typically double the cello part in orchestral passages. While orchestral bass solos are somewhat rare, there are some notable examples. Johannes Brahms, whose father was a double bass player, wrote many difficult and prominent parts for the double bass in his symphonies.

Foreign names:

Kontrabass ---- German

Contrebasse ---- French

Contrabasso ---- Italian

Famous pieces: