Classic Wiki Double Bass

The double bass with a scale length of more than one meter is the largest instrument of the violin family. Yet looking at its origin it cannot really be called a family member. Forerunners of today’s double bass, which arose in Germany at the end of the 16th century originated in the family of the violas da gamba. At first glance violas da gamba resemble violins but they differ in some of their most important features. Gambas are also bowed but are kept between one’s knees while being played. This is why they are also called knee violins. Partly they had frets made of gut strings bound around the neck and the fingerboard. There were a lot of different variants in regard to tuning, string length and the amount of strings. In the course of the centuries they were replaced by the violin, the viola and the cello and are only of historical significance today. Some features of the gambas however have been preserved until today: the sloping shoulders, the flatback and the so-called German bow being held from below.

Source doublebassguide.com

The double bass is the largest and lowest-sounding instrument of the string family. It doesn’t have a huge amount of solo repertory but it plays a very important role in both jazz bands and classical orchestras.It is so large that players have to stand up or sit on a high stool to play it. Like all stringed instruments in an orchestra, the bass can be played with a bow or plucked with the fingers.

Source Sound Junction

Jozsef Horvath Barcza playing double bass youtube video