Best OVERALL
DOUBLE BASS STRING
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: GREAT, RELIABLE CHOICE
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best Stick
PERNAMBUCO
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Offers high-end quality for discerning professionals
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best AFFORDABLE
BOW CASE
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Wooden bow case, suitable for 1 German double bass bow and frog
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TedScore™: 9/10
Every double bass player knows that the right double bass accessories can make their instrument sound amazing in unexpected ways.
Here’s a tip from me: never overlook a good bow—it’s like a magic wand for your string skills! Keep reading to find how to personalize your double bass; you’ll be happy you did.
So continue reading because I will share the essential double bass accessories that could improve your playing and make you sound like a pro in concert halls.
Essential Accessories for Double Bass
When we talk about double bass, we always end up discussing gear, right? Let’s talk about some essential items that keep your bass sounding great and looking good.
Strings and Their Impact on Sound
Choosing the right strings for my double bass transforms my sound—like flipping a switch from quaint to captivating; whether it’s Velvet for a warm, rich tone or Thomastik for that punchy, articulate sound, the material and brand paint my musical canvas.
Thomastik Dominant 196 3/4 Double Bass String Set
FEATURES: Flexible multi-strand nylon core suitable for artists uncomfortable with steel strings.
- Resilient to humidity for durability
- Excellent value to buy a set instead of individual strings
- Superb sound
- Not the cheapest strings on the market
- Some musicians don’t like the sound of synthetic materials
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Bows: Types and Price Considerations
Now, when it comes to bows, let me tell you, the type you pick can change your playing game.
A Pernambuco stick offers warmth, while carbon fiber wins on durability and price, so there’s something for every pocket and preference.
Dorfler 3190D Best Pernambuco Double Bass Bow with Octagonal Stick
FEATURES:Offers high-end quality for discerning professionals
- Includes an octagonal stick and a fine frog
- Need for proper maintenance due to the delicate nature of Pernambuco wood.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Cases to Protect Your Instrument
I’m sure you’ll agree a sturdy case is the unsung hero in our world. It’s our frontline defense against the knocks, scratches and scrapes that are part and parcel of a musician’s life on the move.
Bobelock B8-G1BBV-C Single German Double Bass Bow Case with Cover
FEATURES:Wooden bow case, suitable for 1 German double bass bow and frog
- Soft velour interior protects your bow's tip
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Endpins and Their Significance
Let’s not overlook endpins, shall we? A solid, sturdy endpin gives my bass a strong stance and makes playing feel as easy and natural as breathing.
D'Addario Wood Bridge Pins (set of 6) - Ebony with Pearl Inlay
FEATURES: Set includes six bridge pins and one end pin
- Bridge Pins have 5 degree taper
- Made from solid ebony with pearl inlay
- Higher price than standard plastic bridge pins.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Amplifiers and Preamps for the Perfect Tone
When it’s time to amplify, a trusty preamp or amplifier like those from Fishman ensures my sound is heard just as it should be—clear, strong, and true without losing any of the acoustic charm.
Fishman Ellipse Aura Acoustic Pickup and Preamp System
FEATURES: Advanced Aura Acoustic Imaging technology and a discrete preamp design
- Ergonomic soundhole-mounted preamp controls
- Includes solder-free Acoustic Matrix undersaddle pickup
- Need for proper installation and setup for optimal performance.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Additional Accessories
Having the right upright bass accessories is crucial for enhancing performance and stability.
Pick ups like the Bass Max can provide clear and balanced amplification, while the rubber bridge wing helps maintain the correct bridge position for optimal tone production. Additionally, rock stops can ensure that the bass remains securely in place during performances, offering peace of mind and stability.
Beyond Basics: Enhancing Your Double Bass Experience
Stepping up from simply owning a double bass to genuinely personalizing the experience brings a rush of excitement. Here’s the lowdown to make playing more enjoyable and your instrument more unique.
Additional Accessories
Consider getting a double bass bow case or pick ups to improve the sound. Books on double bass techniques or sheet music from their favorite composer can also be great choices.
Personal music preferences should guide your decision.
Additional Accessories
Funky tailpiece designs or unique endpins add character while ensuring the double bass truly feels like mine.
A colorful selection of bass rosin choices awaits to match my bowing needs perfectly,
And adjusting the cookie settings on digital tuners helps keep my double bass sounding pitch-perfect.
Remember to respect the instrument, though;
Adding accessories is all good fun as long as it doesn’t compromise the bass or my performance.
Double bass accessories
Overview
Picking the right double bass accessories improves my playing, making every note I play sound better. A good bow, strong case or bass bag, and reliable pickups strengthen my practice and performance.
A sturdy stand or hanger is essential for keeping my beloved bass safe when I’m not playing.
Strings are the unsung heroes, giving my bass its unique voice whether I play with energy or grace.
I always choose accessories that guarantee 100% satisfaction, and they’ve never disappointed me. After all, my double bass isn’t just an instrument; it’s a centerpiece that deserves to be displayed with pride.
Whether I’m a pro or just starting, the right accessories are waiting to meet my double bass. Let’s make music that’s as fun to play as it is to listen to!
Hold up, we’re not finished yet…
Discover the best double bass for beginners and kickstart your musical journey with the perfect instrument.
Gemma, you mention amplifiers and preamps for achieving the perfect tone, which is spot on. However, it’s crucial to also discuss the importance of understanding the room’s acoustics where one plays. The gear is half the battle, the environment shapes the sound significantly.
just got a case from ur recommendations and it’s awesome! thx a ton 🙂
man, i never realized how much the endpin affects the sound til now. gotta say, this article opened my eyes to that. good stuff!
Actually, while the endpin has some impact, especially on playability and comfort, it’s essential to remember that the sound is more profoundly affected by strings, bow pressure, and technique. It’s a balance of multiple factors.
Could you expand on the types of bows and why one might choose one type over another? I’m particularly interested in understanding if certain bows are better suited for specific music genres. Thanks in advance, Gemma.