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Double Bass Archives - Page 2

My Double Bass Setup: Part 1 – The Bow
The Lowdown with Dr. D

My Double Bass Setup: Part 1 – The Bow

Usually in this column I talk about general double bass (upright bass) subjects, or answer specific questions that I think will be of benefit to the largest number of readers. Lately, however, I’ve been getting a great many questions about my personal bass setup. So, in the next few columns I’m going to go through some of the things that...

NS Design Unveils NXTa Active Series Omni Bass and Double Bass Models
Basses

NS Design Unveils NXTa Active Series Omni Bass and Double Bass Models

NS Design has teamed up with Mi-Si Electronics Design to introduce the NXTa Active series of instruments, including versions of the company’s Omni Bass and Double Bass models. Central to the new series is the introduction of battery-free, high-performance active electronics. The circuitry works is powered by plugging into a wall socket for one minute at a time. “Operationally, for...

Claus Freudenstein Introduces US Made Minibass
Basses

Claus Freudenstein Introduces US Made Minibass

Claus Freudenstein has unveiled the US version of his Freudenstein Minibass, a miniature contrabass designed for teaching children as young as five years old. It has a 70cm string length and comes in multiple colors. The bass is made of plywood and is braced inside. Freudenstein also has an accompanying book, entitled “Mini Bass”, for getting youngsters started. The Freudenstein...

Double Bass vs. Bass Guitar
Ask Damian Erskine

Double Bass vs. Bass Guitar

Q: I have been playing bass guitar for about 8 years, got my grade 8, toured, recorded and got myself to a semi-professional session level. As I am going to go full time as a bass player in the next 18-24 months (I am realistic as well as ambitious) I started lessons with an outstanding teacher and someone who has...

Buying Your First Double Bass (Upright Bass): Part 2
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Buying Your First Double Bass (Upright Bass): Part 2

Now that we have had a short introduction into the various sizes and materials of double basses, we are ready to get our own upright bass. Here are a few thoughts on the final steps. Renting For those folks who aren’t ready to commit financially, renting can seem attractive. If you are just dipping your toes in the water, this...

Buying Your First Double Bass (Upright Bass): Part 1
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Buying Your First Double Bass (Upright Bass): Part 1

When people are just starting to get interested in playing the double bass there can be some trepidation when it comes to obtaining one. Both the prices and the terminology can be off-putting for someone just starting out. For those of you thinking about buying your first upright bass, below are a few things to consider. There are many variables,...

Bass of the Week: Evilectric Skull Bass
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Evilectric Skull Bass

With a name like Evilectric, you might guess that the company makes some gnarly looking basses. You’d be right. Evilectric builds full 41 3/4-inch scale electric upright basses with custom designs. Only three have been made so far, and this week we’re checking out the Skull bass. The body is a skull and cross bones with the bridge sitting right...

Bass of the Week: Nick Lloyd Basses 3/4 Lloyd Standard Model
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Nick Lloyd Basses 3/4 Lloyd Standard Model

There’s something uniquely beautiful about the double bass, and Nick Lloyd knows how to accentuate it. This week we check out his 3/4 Lloyd Standard Model featuring gorgeous woods and interesting twist. The bass’s design includes walnut back and sides with a classic flatback. “Previously I came across some beautiful, centuries-old Italian basses made from Walnut,” the luthier explains. “I...

What’s This Angled Endpin Business?
The Lowdown with Dr. D

What’s This Angled Endpin Business?

I get lots of questions about my bass and “what’s up with that endpin?” ranks in the top ten. As you know, most endpins come straight out of the bass, at a angle more or less parallel with the back of the instrument, a 90 degrees relation to the bottom of the instrument. When the instrument is standing entirely upright,...

Old School: John Worster / Arvell Shaw Bohemian Double Bass (Circa 1820)
Old School

Old School: John Worster / Arvell Shaw Bohemian Double Bass (Circa 1820)

A couple of weeks ago, Damian Erskine sent me an email filled with excitement. Here’s an excerpt: You know about my trip to pick up my dad’s bass in St Louis, right? Well, Jim Widner (who cared for it for the past 25 years) pointed out a name carved in the front. Faint but clear: “Shaw”. Apparently this was Arvell...

Five Things to Remember to When Moving from Electric to Upright Bass
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Five Things to Remember to When Moving from Electric to Upright Bass

The electric bass and the double bass (aka Contrabass, Kontrabass, Contrebasse, Upright bass, Stand-up bass, String bass, Doghouse bass, etc. etc.) are cousins. It seems intuitive that one plays both instruments. After all, we share a range, number of strings (generally) and a tuning (most of the time). However, the constructions of the instruments differ enough to make for substantial...

Eastman Releases VB95 Eastman Pro Bass
Basses

Eastman Releases VB95 Eastman Pro Bass

Eastman Guitars debuted a pair of new instruments at Summer NAMM this year including the VB95 Eastman Pro Bass. Designed with the touring player or weekend warrior in mind, the new double bass features a fully carved spruce top with gamba corners, a solid laminate back and ribs, and a solid ebony fingerboard. The bass’s body is finished in an...