So, you’ve decided to learn the double bass? Congratulations! You have chosen a distinctive and versatile instrument that gives you a musical gateway to practically every genre of music from classical to world music, rock and pop to jazz. First things first however, with such a wide range of beginner instruments out there, which is the best double bass for beginners to choose to get started?
In this article we will give you a few tips to guide you through the main considerations when choosing a double bass, and recommend the best instruments to start your musical journey.
What To Consider When Buying A Double Bass
Size
Like people, the double bass (also referred to as “upright bass”) comes in all shapes and sizes, making it possible to select exactly the right instrument for an individual player.
For an adult beginner, the choice of size will depend not only on their height and hand size, but also on the shape of the double bass itself. Double basses are usually either “violin shaped” or can have more rounded “viol shape” shoulders which can make them easier to play, especially in thumb position.
The type of music you wish to play is a factor here too: the bigger the body, the better the sound will be on the lowest strings. Many orchestra double bassists choose a large instrument for this reason but conversely, a smaller double bass is usually easier for a beginner to play and can work much better in solo and chamber music, as well as jazz.
Unlike the other string instruments there is no standard “full size” measurement for double bass, and many adults decide that a “three quarter” size instrument is plenty big enough!
For children, “mini” basses are available in a full range of fractional sizes: 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4. Pupils can start off from as young as five, although seven/eight years is a more common age for a new beginner. Your teacher should be able to advise you which size to get, but if in doubt size DOWN. It is tempting to give children “room to grow” into an instrument, but playing a double bass that is too big can cause problems with posture and technique, and sometimes even injury. In general, the double bass should be slightly taller than the person playing it, and the player’s left hand should be at about eye level when playing in the first position.
The table below gives a useful starting point:
Age of child (years) | |
4-6 | 1/16 or 1/10 |
5-7 | 1/8 |
7-9 | 1/4 |
9-13 | 1/2 |
14+ including adult | 3/4 |
Price
Sadly, such a large instrument as the double bass will never be cheap to produce, but it is still possible to get a basic quality starter bass complete with bow and gig bag for around £700, just like this model from Starter Instrument maker Gear4Music.. This level of instrument should provide a solid start, particularly for the younger bassist, but as with most things in life you get what you pay for and it is worth spending as much as you can afford on the best double bass possible.
COMES WITH: Bow & Hard Case
FEATURES: Quality Canadian Spruce & Maple Body
Deluxe Solid Top Bass
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 2-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee
- Triple Hand Lacquered & Varnished Orange-Brown Finish
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Kept in good condition, string instruments tend to hold or even increase their value over time so they are a good investment! A budget of around £1500/$2000 will get you a good quality plywood bass which will immediately produce a better sound more easily for beginners. The Archer model below has amazing reviews, and I have a couple of students who have one and love it.
Having said that, plywood basses such as these may not suit a more advanced player looking to develop their tone and their technique in thumb position.
COMES WITH: Bow & Hard Case
FEATURES: Canadian Spruce & Maple
Archer Size Professional Double Bass
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Plucked tone is warm and well balanced
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
For those able to spend a little more, or looking to advance beyond the beginner instruments, a price range of around £3000/$4000 will get you a superior quality solid wood double bass able to produce the best sound at all levels. I really love the Stentor Arcadia Bass. It’s a brilliantly built instrument that sounds lovely.
Of course, it is possible to spend even more than this, especially if you are looking at older or professional quality double basses.
In addition, any double bass can be easily and significantly improved by a professional set-up and a new set of strings. More about this later!
COMES WITH: Bow & Hard Case
FEATURES: Full Ebony
Stentor Arcadia Bass
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Hand-carved from select figured woods
- Fine quality brass machine heads
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
What Style of Music Do You Want To Play?
As mentioned above, one of the best things about playing the double bass is its versatility. It is equally at home in practically every genre of music you can think of!
Most beginners will want to experiment with a wide range of musical styles, and any of the standard double basses on sale should enable you to do just that. However, for those with a particular genre in mind there are some additional considerations:
- Classical orchestra music is driven by the lowest part of the double bass’ range. These notes sound much better on an instrument with a larger body which gives the pitch enough room to resonate fully and produce a great sound.
- Conversely, the highest-sounding notes on the double bass will sound clearer on an instrument with a (relatively) smaller body. This is worth bearing in mind if you are looking to play mostly solo or chamber music.
- String height is another consideration. In jazz bass playing, as well as rock and pop music, the upright bass is often played pizzicato (plucking) and this will sound much more powerful and effective on a double bass whose strings sit slightly further away from the fingerboard. When playing with the bow however, this can make things more difficult. It is usually possible to reach a compromise!
- Amplification. If you want to play a lot of the more popular styles of music, it is worth buying some kind of pick-up that can be fitted to your double bass. These can either sit beneath the bridge of the instrument or attach directly to it. I’d recommend something like the Realist pickup – it’s one of the best sounding, but also doesn’t get in the way! Pick-ups are not required in classical playing, and therefore many players choose models that are unobtrusive when not in use.
New vs Second-Hand vs Rental
New is better, right? Not always! Like all string instruments, when well looked-after double basses can actually improve over time and, armed with the right information, the discerning bass player can easily pick up a bargain.
When buying second-hand, check the setup of the bass carefully, making sure the bridge, neck, endpin, and strings are all secure and in good condition. Check the body of the instrument for cracks and dings, especially around the seams- these can be expensive to repair! If possible, take the instrument to a luthier who can confirm whether or not you’re getting a good deal.
Buying second-hand is particularly worth considering with smaller sized double basses for children. It can be a very economical means of replacing the instrument as students grow every few years.
However, a brand new double bass will usually come with a guarantee from the manufacturer or supplier, offering you a degree of protection if things go wrong. New double basses for beginners usually come as complete “outfits” including a bow and case, and sometimes even accessories such as a stool, rosin, and sheet music!
Plywood/Laminate vs Carved
Double basses for students are constructed in one of three ways: plywood/laminate, fully-carved, and hybrid (or “solid top”). Here are the pros and cons of each:
Plywood/laminate double basses
The most economical method of construction, these basses are made of laminated maple and spruce for the top, back and sides
PROS
- Laminated wood does not move or shrink with extremes of temperature or humidity, making these basses very hard-wearing and ideal for children.
- Laminated basses from the same manufacturer tend to be of a consistent sound and build quality, and there is less variation from one instrument to the next.
- Laminated basses are more economical to produce, and therefore usually cheaper to buy.
- They sound great in certain jazz bass styles such as rockabilly and “slap bass”, and can have a powerful percussive attack when played pizzicato.
- Usually sold as complete “outfits” including accessories and bow.
CONS
- The top of a laminate double bass is unable to vibrate as freely as a fully-carved instrument, which can limit the tone quality the instrument is capable of producing.
- It can be harder work to get them to sound as good with the bow as they do pizzicato
Fully-carved Double Basses
These double basses have no laminated surfaces. The top and the back are carved (often by hand) rather than machine-shaped, and the sides are constructed of solid pieces of wood.
PROS
- The tone quality of a fully-carved bass is usually superior to a laminate instrument. The solid wood is able to respond freely to the sound vibrations, producing more complex overtones and a richer sound.
- This responsiveness also means that fully-carved basses tend to improve their tone quality still further over time as they become “played-in”.
- As a result, they often increase in value. Indeed, some of the most expensive instruments are hundreds of years old!
- They sound great in certain jazz bass styles such as rockabilly and “slap bass”, and can have a powerful percussive attack when played pizzicato.
- You will own a truly unique musical instrument!
CONS
- Fully-carved basses are time-consuming and inefficient to produce, which makes them significantly more expensive than laminate instruments at every level.
- They are also more fragile, and require careful maintenance to keep them in good condition. As well as being susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, the movement of the instrument’s solid top can make it liable to cracking.
- Difficult (if not impossible) to find in the smaller sizes- usually only 3 4 or full size instruments are fully-carved.
- There is more variation in quality, both between instruments and between manufacturers.
- You are likely to need to purchase a bow, cases, and any other accessories separately.
Hybrid Double Basses
As the name suggests, the body of a hybrid double bass (also known as a “solid top” bass) has both laminated and fully-carved components. Usually the top is fully-carved, as it is the most tonally responsive part of the bass, with the back and sides being made of laminated wood.
PROS
- They offer a good compromise between fully-carved and laminate basses. The responsive solid top still offers a well-developed sound quality
- They are more economical to produce, and therefore cheaper to buy than a fully-carved bass.
- They are easier to look after than a fully-carved double bass, as the laminate back and sides support the top and make it less prone to cracking.
CONS
- Hybrid basses are rarer, and can be difficult to find, especially in the small sizes.
- They require more care than a laminate bass, as the top will still react to changes in temperature and humidity.
- The sound produced will not be as a good as other doubles basses such as a fully-carved bass.
The Value Of A Professional Set-Up
Whatever double bass you choose, it is well worth getting it professionally set-up before you start to play. As well as checking the materials and position of the neck, tailpiece, and endpin, the feet of the bridge need to be carved exactly to fit the body of the instrument even on the most basic beginner bass. Once correctly placed, the bridge should stay securely in position, held in place by the strings. This also ensures the strings are the correct height for optimum performance and ensures good intonation (tuning). You can ask for this to be done by the supplier, or take your bass to a music shop.
An easy way to improve the performance of any double bass is to take it to a luthier, who can adjust the set up to maximise the potential of the instrument. In particular, a set of good quality bass strings can noticeably elevate even the most basic student instrument for significantly less than it would cost to upgrade the bass. It is also possible to adjust the bridge and string height for maximum playability.
However, luthier services can be expensive. Be sure to carefully evaluate the cost of these compared to the cost of upgrading a musical instrument completely, particularly when thinking about laminated and small-size double basses.
Our top SIX
Double Basses
For Beginners
COMES WITH: Rosin,Bow & Hard Case
FEATURES: Maple and Ebonized Fingerboard
Student 3/4
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Excellent price
- Includes bow, rosin, and hard case
- Available in 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 size
- Good quality laminate construction, making a durable string instrument
- Will require set-up and bridge carving/adjustment, and would benefit from new strings.
- Hard case can be difficult to transport- I would recommend purchasing a gig bag
- Not available in smallest sizes or full size.
- Basic tone quality compared to other plywood basses
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Bow & Gig Bag
FEATURES: Laminated Body and Genuine Solid Ebony Fingerboard
Eastman 80 outfit
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Available in a full range of sizes from 1/10 to 3/4, ideal for the young musician
- Excellent quality laminated double bass
- Durable with a reliable sound
- Comes with easy-to-carry padded gig bag and bow
- Great value price for the quality
- Higher price than other laminate basses
- May need bridge set-up before beginning to play
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Bow & cover
FEATURES: Laminated Maple Back + Sides
Stentor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Available in a full range of sizes from 1/10 to 3/4, ideal for the young musician
- Excellent quality laminated double bass
- Durable with a reliable sound
- Comes with easy-to-carry padded gig bag and bow
- Great value price for the quality
- Would benefit from replacement strings and will need initial bridge set-up
- Higher price than laminate instrument
- Other solid-top basses will have a more developed tone quality
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Bow & cover
FEATURES: Includes Solid Spruce Top, Solid Flamed Maple Back & Sides
Stentor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Excellent price for a fully-carved double bass
- Great sound
- Reliable and consistent brand
- Comes with bow and cover
- Handcrafted for a unique finish
- Would benefit from a professional set-up and new strings to maximise its sound quality
- Less attractive to look at than other fully-carved basses
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Evah Pirazzi strings and a padded gig bag
FEATURES: Hand applied spirit varnish for a perfect finish
Westbury
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Good value price for a fully-carved double bass
- High quality material used for fittings (fingerboard, neck, tailpiece) as well as body
- Great sound
- Does not come with accessories so will need to purchase strings, a bow, and a case separately.
- “Violin” shape with high shoulders can be difficult for the smaller player to manage.
- Not available in smaller sizes
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best double bass for beginners
Summary
There are many things to consider when choosing the best double bass for beginners.
First and foremost you need to work out the size of the instrument you need, set a maximum budget, and then narrow down your options to instruments that work for the styles of music you are hoping to play.
We hope the advice in this article has made the choice less overwhelming, and will enable you to make the right decision with confidence
Best All-Round Double Bass
Stentor Conservatoire Double Bass
Best Value Double Bass
Stentor Student Double Bass
Best Double Bass for an Adult Beginner
Westbury Double Bass
Interesting article, Gemma. I’ve been playing the violin for years and looking to expand my musical horizons by picking up the double bass. Your points about choosing between a plywood/laminate and a carved bass are insightful. From a classical perspective, do you believe a fully-carved double bass has a significant edge in orchestral settings, or can a well-set-up plywood instrument compete in terms of sound quality? Also, considering the physical demands of playing the double bass compared to the violin, any tips on adjusting?
Great breakdown, Gemma Murray! This gives me a much better idea of what to look for. The professional set-up part is golden advice. Cheers!
Didn’t know about hybrid double basses before this. Sounds like a good middle ground. Might check that out, seems like a solid option for someone not sure about going all-in with a fully carved one.
I’m kind of torn between going for a plywood bass or shelling out for a carved one. The article made great points about durability and sound quality, but I’m not sure which is the way to go for someone just starting out. Any advice on how to make the decision easier? How significant is the sound difference in a beginner’s hands?
Think about the places you’ll be playing too. Plywood can handle different climates better.
As a newbie, a plywood bass will serve you really well and it’s more forgiving on the budget too. The sound diff becomes more evident as you get better.