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Double Bass

Buying a double bass is a unique monster. Unlike violins and other stringed instruments, there has never been a standard set of specifications for double basses, which has resulted in instruments of all sorts of sizes and shapes. Also, higher prices for double basses are reflective of their antique/nostalgic value rather than the quality of the craftsmanship or materials. Because the double bass world is a completely unorganized one, your ear will play a vital role in finding the right one for you.

Parts of the double bass

* '''Bridge''' - Supports the strings and transfers the vibrations to the body of the double bass. * '''F Hole''' - F shaped hole that allows sound to escape from the body. * '''Tuning Pegs''' - Make the strings longer or shorter to help tune the double bass. * '''Tail Spike''' - Enables the player to balance the bow on the floor and inbetween his/her legs.

Buying your double bass

There are a few things you should be aware of before you start shopping for a double bass.  Before you do anything, set a budget for yourself and buy the best sounding double bass in your price range. This will ensure that you get the best double bass for the money you can spend. Although there are no specified sizes, you'll generally find them in two variations Bass'>fractional. Fractional double basses usually come with a neck 3/4 and/or half the size of a standard neck, and make for great instruments for younger students with smaller hands. As you go on, you can get a larger double bass until you're comfortable with a full size. Make sure to ask your teacher or a local retailer to see what size is right for you.

New or Used?

Your best option for figuring out what you need in a double bass is to go out and try a handful of them for yourself. Doing so will give you the opportunity to see what's available to you in your price range, as well as giving you useful information to call on when it comes time to bargain with a stubborn seller. When you do this, try bringing your teacher or a friend who's well informed about double basses along for the ride. Having an expert on hand who's not trying to sell you something will keep you from buying something that's inferior or more/less than what you need from a double bass. If you can't bring someone along with you, here are a few things you can look for in a used double bass by yourself. * Keep in mind that, because of the size and awkward nature of the double bass, it's nearly impossible to find one without any damage. It's the extent of the damage that needs to be evaluated. * A few well-repaired cracks are nothing to fret over. However, extensive damage can permanently alter the sound of the instrument. ** Cracks can buzz, the tone of the instrument can change dramatically over the seasons, and the neck can shift, so it's important to find one in good working order. * Check for any loose parts that will need to be replaced. Sometimes replacing parts can be more expensive than buying a quality double bass. * Understand that aesthetic qualities are irrelevant. Some of the best sounding double basses are also the ugliest. * If you decide to buy a used bass, have it evaluated by a professional before you commit to a purchase. You're going to have this instrument for a while, so it's best to make sure that you're getting quality at the right price.

A few more tips

Make sure to ask the seller about the conditions under which the instrument has been kept. A double bass that has sat in a dry attic may not play as well as one that's been kept in a room with the proper humidity and has undergone regular maintenance. Also, know that older basses will sound better, so ask your seller how long ago it was made. Finally, expect to spend somewhere between $1500 and $5000 for a quality student double bass. It may seem like a lot to pay up front, but again, you'll have this instrument for a long time. You'll only be doing yourself a disservice to get a lesser quality instrument.

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