Double Bass Buying Guide - Tips For Buying Your First Upright Bass

Here is an overview of things you have to know if you want to buy a double bass.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Do you know my String Matrix? You can compare MORE THAN 30 STRING MODELS ON MY WEBSITE:

[eugenejohnson]

Not just the best explanation of characteristics to look for in buying a string bass, but the best and most useful explanation I’ve seen of any stringed instrument. I applaud your efforts!

[SammyBP]

is this the best explainer video about doublebasses on youtube? YES it is!

[stormbringer]

Great video with very useful information! I would like to start with double bass lessons and so i am gathering information about it. You really took your time in the video to explain all about buying a first upright bass. Thank you very much!

[pierreandrewt]

thanks for this great video. oh and by the way, "the shape of slices of salmon" that's an avantgarde song title right there

[terrymahoney]

Unquestionably, the best, most informative video, I have currently seen on the beginner's introduction to the upright bass. Thank you, very much Vielen Dank!

[jeffreagan]

I don't care what bass you play. You sound great. Charley Haden would be proud of you!

[SirWhiteRabbit-grso]

Philadelphia's Mummer string bands MARCH with dbl. bases.

[wolfganglonien]

Thanks Hervé. For me, walking in into a specialised dealer's shop close to me (in Frankfurt), I instantly fell in love with the cheapest Romanian carved bass they had there. But that was a bit out of my price range, and hard to justify to spend almost 3k as a beginner, so I got lucky and got a really nicely setup plywood (same brand as the dealers also had), together with some extras for about 1.2k - an exceptional value. Have it since ten months now, and love it more each day. So I did as you say here in your very good advice, thanks for that...
Additional costs: I replaced the Presto Nylon strings on it with Spiro Lights, and I'm also looking for some nice but not too expensive French bow next...

[m.hughes]

Excellent content sir, fine presentation. The difference between quarter sawn plywood and laminate was an education for me.

[CJAZZ]

Thanks. I figured out from your video I bought 2 great Basses. 1 carved - 1 hybrid.

[carloszagal]

Not gonna lie, I watch your videos just to hear you play :D
Love the content!

[richardwalsh]

Even though I have played 3/4 size bass for many years I always discover something I didn't know before from your videos. 
Thanks very much!

[gabehizer]

Looking for my first bass....very helpful! Thanks!

[jennacolombet]

Yours tips are awesome, thank you very much!

[jazzman]

Brilliant video. Intelligent.
In the jazz guitar world it’s generally accepted that laminate is less prone to amplification feed back than carved wood. Also a well made laminate guitar is better than a badly made solid carved wood instrument in my experience. So most working players will use a decent laminate guitar with amplification.
I know they are very different beasts to double bass but it’s a valid comparison I think.

[JohannesHejl]

There are so many variables that you also need to trust your instincts. There should be an emotional connection between instrument and player. For some, the color of the laquer will be of major importance :)

[AKFloorcare]

thanks for taking the time to be helpful to me and others.

[patrickcrabb]

As an oktavist looking for a double bass this was most useful. I have plans on using it with vocals which is something I haven't heard before and have been eager to try out.

[twin]

Thank you so much for explaining all of this. This was very helpful!!!

[GERALDOuncleG]

Great lesson, I play bass guitar, just for fun, and I’m thinking about having one upright double bass. Your guide lines were so valuable! Thanks!