Double bass sizes. Unlike other members of the vio...
Double bass sizes. Unlike other members of the violin family, bass construction is very varied in size and shape. 4/4 basses are harder to find then 3/4s generally. What size bass should you be playing? 1/2, 3/4, 5/8, 4/4? It can seem overwhelming, especially as bassists generally love to play smaller instruments which are easier to transport and often very The difference between a bass and double bass lies in size, construction, and playing style. The body of a full size double bass, or what they call a 4/4 double bass, measures around 75 inches. k. Explore each option’s strengths, from independent double-pedal bass drums to robust kick responses, and compare how they Double bass players, this 3/4 size German-style bow is built for serious musicians who need professional performance in a more compact size. The double bass is the largest instrument in the strings family, however is still accessible to those of all ages, as gear4music offer many different sizes. The question of the size of the double bass comes up for almost every bassist, especially in the beginning. Made from tough nylon, this bag shields your bass from bumps, scratches, and even some rain while you're on the move. Size, in this case, may not matter, unless bragging rights are important to you. . If you are buying a double bass for a child under five feet tall, start by measuring their height then use the table below as a starting point to give you an idea which size would be best. It is important to choose the appropriate string size for your bass, as using the wrong size can negatively affect the sound quality and playability of the instrument. These are rough estimates and based on typical sizes for heights for ages. ) Stringed instruments come in various sizes, which fit into general fractional designations. The double bass is a large, acoustic string instrument played upright, while the bass guitar is smaller, electric, and played horizontally. If you have any doubts in sizing please speak with your child The various sizes accommodate the player's height, arm length, and hand size; it's more comfortable to play a bass that's your size and your hand more easily reaches the notes. The dimensions of a double bass typically vary, but the average height ranges from 42 to 48 inches, while the body length measures about 43 to 47 inches. Slap, Slapstyle The half-size double bass measures approximately 5 feet 2 inches in height, with a scale length of around 36–37 inches. Perfect for students, orchestra members, or anyone renting an instrument. Double Bass Patterns When it comes to double basses, there are a bunch of different patterns. Buying a New Double Bass In this guide we assume you are buying a double bass for the first time and have decided on buying a new double bass. To ensure you get the ideal size double bass we also recommend that you measure the height of the player. Today, the 3/4-size double bass is widely regarded as the standard among professional adult performers, while the once so-called “full-size” 4/4 instrument has become increasingly rare. Unlike its smaller cousins, the violin, viola, and cello, the double bass doesn’t conform to a standardized size. Buy Double Bass Definition Upright Bass Instrut Long Sleeves is designed & sold by Dylcepeko. pdf), Text File (. Schmitt Violin Shop offers fractional to full size instruments from double basses to violins. a string bass, upright bass, acoustic bass, contrabass, bass violin, bass viol, bass fiddle, bull fiddle, doghouse bass, and standup bass. Great for travel etc. I Full Size (4/4): The full-size double bass is the standard size used by most adult players. Listed below are the recommended sizes of double bass for various age groups and heights. So for the longest time I thought my bass was a 3/4 size and after looking at another 3/4 bass I tried it and it felt too small for me. 5/8 is a bass with a string length of between 38″ and 40″. The size of a double bass is typically measured in fractions of a full-size instrument, with common sizes including 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 7/8, as well as the rare full-size 4/4. Marine-grade plywood cabinet, durable finish, and natural, transparent sound. SKU 1376084083 listed on 02 22, 2026. Mar 12, 2025 · Choosing the right size double bass is an essential step in becoming a proficient player. Crafted from premium Brazilwood, it delivers that perfect balance of flexibility and responsiveness that bassists look for. Things to keep in mind while searching for your first double bass. Would those of you who play paying gigs of whatever size/type be willing to offer even the vaguest guidelines as to how much various types of gigs pay? I often will see quite good musicians play and wonder if they even covered their gas money. Looking to buy a double bass? Our Double Bass Buyer's Guide will help you choose which bass is the best for beginner to professional alike. Home Bass Gear Buyer's Guides Bows: Choosing a Double Bass Bow Bows: Choosing a Double Bass Bow A Special "Buyer's Guide" from Mark If you are considering adding arco (bowing) to your bass-playing arsenal, congratulations! It's a great skill to have, even if your primary musical pursuits don't necessarily require it. Visit a music store or contact a double bass specialist who can provide a range of sizes for you to try. Best thing to do is borrow some and see how they feel. 3. http://www. Double basses come in five different sizes: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4. Shop with the string experts. Selecting the appropriate size of a double bass is crucial for both beginners and advanced players alike. This can be especially frustrating when trying to purchase a case for the instrument. Set aside time to shop and don't hurry. In the table below you will find the size of double bass recommended by the age of the player. Bass guitars come in electric and acoustic versions, with 4 to 6 strings and fretted or fretless options. For the players and aficionados of the double bass, a. There are other guides on this site for specific situations. While 3/4-sized violins and cellos are considered children's sizes, both 3/4 and 4/4 double basses are adult instruments. txt) or read online for free. The origin seems to usually be either that they are Sizing Conventions of the Double Bass "So don't be compelled to purchase a 4/4 size bass because you think it's "better" than a 3/4 size bass, or you believe that you need to have a "full size" bass. Consider your age, physical size, playing style, and comfort when making your decision. We have posts on children learning the Instrument Size Guide Double basses are available in a range of sizes to suit children of different ages and height. Double bass, stringed musical instrument, the lowest-pitched member of the violin family, sounding an octave lower than the cello. Practically speaking, a larger scale length means the notes on the fingerboard are farther However, in the case of the double bass (also known as the contrabass or upright bass), the opposite is true. com - All our lessons in one place and free bass player resources! Double basses come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Price range: Double Double Bass Size Guide Whether you are a classical or jazz musician, finding the right size double bass is crucial for comfortable playing. A typical double bass stands around 180 cm (6 feet) from scroll to endpin. Save 5% with code SKUL25 Buy Double Bass Evolution Of Man Shower Curtains is designed & sold by Kathyy Hoover. SKU 2332413743 listed on 02 20, 2026. This variance in size can be confusing, especially for beginners. The double bass was the standard until the 1960s when the electric bass guitar became the most widely used bass instrument in famous pieces of music. Does Size Make a Difference When Buying a Double Bass? The first thing that you should know when buying a double bass is that they are very large. Playing double bass can be quite a challenge, and if you are tall and/or have big hands, be thankful. Nov 12, 2025 · Generally speaking, a 4/4 bass is not going to automatically be "better" than a 3/4 size bass -- your selection should be based on the instrument and your specific needs, among other factors. This ingenious device lets you wheel your upright bass around effortlessly, whether you're going to rehearsals, gigs, or just moving it between rooms. 5 inches Depends on a lot of things: thickness of the bass body, slope of the bass shoulders, your arm length, your hand size, german or french bow, your body type, string length, and the type of music you expect to play etc. comes with power cable. Do you use a 3/4, 7/8, 4/4, 1/2 or 5/8 and does size matter? The best way to determine the right double bass size is by trying out different instruments. So I went home and measured everything and turns out all the measurements add up to a 4/4 result. A large double bass such as a ⅞ or 4/4 is very rare and not commonly used unless the person is very tall, 6. discoverdoublebass. It has two basic designs—one shaped like a viol (or viola da gamba) and the other like a violin—but there are other designs, such as that of a guitar. This size is commonly used by children or beginners who are still developing strength and coordination. The standard full-size double bass, or 4/4, is designed for adult players. Younger students who’d like to learn I provide a few pointers for what size of double bass to start on, and a few guidelines for sizing a double bass to your body shape and size. The double bass: a comprehensive guide to the orchestra's largest string instrument, including how it differs to the cello Used in multiple musical settings, the versatile double bass is the largest and lowest pitched bowed stringed instrument, writes Charlotte Smith I don’t know what size my bass is. 4/4 are fairly rare. The question of whether 1/2 a 1/4 sized basses are suitable options for adults comes up frequently. Save 5% with code SKUL25 Whether you're a budding bassist looking to choose the right size or a seasoned player interested in the nuances of this magnificent instrument, understanding double bass sizes is essential. The various sizes accommodate the player's height, arm length, and hand size. The actual size between the instruments isn’t much to look at, they only change by 1/2 an inch in the larger sizes and 1 inch in the smaller, but these small size differences can make a big difference to the player. Most professionals play 3/4 sized basses, even in orchestras. For example, there is a separate guide for buying a used (second hand) double bass, as there are some additional checks and considerations to make. Used like new Phil Jones Double Four bass amp. In general for children choose a bass one size smaller than usual violin size for age. If you are too anxious to make your purchase, you are more likely to end up making a purchase you later regret. It includes measurements for the body, neck, fingerboard, bridge, and other components. This guide highlights five kits and accessories that emphasize double bass capabilities, expanded pedal options, and realistic feel. The best part? UPTONe Double Bass Amplifier built specifically for upright bass. String basses, also known as upright basses or bass violins, come in multiple sizes including 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4. The other thing to consider is that while 3/4 size basses may be the standard, there’s nothing “standard” about double bass sizing. About this item Calling all bass players! If you're tired of struggling to move your double bass around, this bass cart is about to become your new best friend. When it comes to 1/2 and 1/4 sizes, it gets a little murky. Overall length: 75 inches Upper bout: 21 inches Lower bout 27. If you have a teacher, their advice should also be sought in order to find the most suitable double bass for the child to play easily. 7K For drummers chasing powerful footwork and studio-style control, electronic drum kits that support double bass setups can be game-changing. Some manufactures will label a bass as a 1/2 size and another manufacture will label a very similar sized instrument as a 1/4 size. In this video Doug shows us how to find a double bass size that is most comfortable for you and demonstrates how we size players up for a bass in the store. A guide to choosing and purchasing an upright bass (aka "double bass") The standard size for adults is a ¾ double bass. It generally has a string length of about 43 to 44 inches and the overall height reaches approximately 6 feet with the endpin extended. Whether you are a classical or jazz musician, finding the right size double bass is crucial for comfortable playing. With the addition of the end pin, the pole at the bottom of the body, the double bass can get For instance, K&K Sound makes the Bass Master Pro; a package that combines the previously mentioned Bass Max and Double Big Twin pickups, using a two-channel preamp (included) to EQ and blend them. Use the Simply for Strings Size Guide to determine what size Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass You or Your Child Need Today. Sizing is not an exact science, though - check this article out for more information. A large double bass such as a ⅞ or 4/4 is very rare and not commonly used. Shape and Size Shape The question of the size of the double bass comes up for almost every bassist, especially in the beginning. This document is a specification sheet created by luthier Alan Goldblatt that provides size specifications for basses in different sizes (4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4). The double bass, also known as the upright bass or contrabass, is the lowest-pitched string instrument in the modern orchestra. So sizes are more ranges than specific numbers. You could find a small 3/4 or a large 3/4 and everything in between. The Gamba pattern has plain corners but still pumps out good volume and is easy to play. Carrying a double bass shouldn't feel like a workout! Meet the Gator Largo Series Double Bass Bag—it's lightweight but doesn't skimp on protection. Patience: Buying an instrument like a bass takes time. 5′ + in height or they have unusually large hands. Jul 23, 2025 · When it comes to buying a double bass, size does make a difference. Double Bass Measurements - Free download as PDF File (. This 1/16 double bass has often been mistaken for a cello but we assure you, it’s definitely a bass! DYK 🤔 The Paul A. $350 The standard size for adults is a ¾ double bass. Marcos Machado discusses the use of smaller than average double basses. The double bass, also known as the contrabass, is a vital instrument in the world of music, especially in orchestras, jazz bands, and various chamber music ensembles. For younger music students, who you may be shopping for, they are often prohibitively large. 🎻 uptonbass 10. 70w with a 1/4 line out. Fast worldwide shipping. 3/4 size is the most common upright bass size, and is considered to be the "regular" size bass. Most children aren’t able to comfortably play the standard size of double basses until they are in middle school. It typically measures around 6 feet tall and is suitable for players over 5’7” in height. About the size of a shoe box. Last night we saw a pretty high quality 5-piece Explore essential tips on choosing the perfect double bass, covering types, sizing, brands, and more in our comprehensive guide for beginners and pros. Sizing (3/4, 4/4, 1/2, etc. Some people like 7/8 basses. pwdbt, sablq, ojelrl, dbwbg, werfr, i8msh, tg0b9, w3ig4, kv2uae, 4bpuhk,