My band and I performed in concert here last night. The crowd and the staff loved us. A great time was had by all!

Nash_ DMK Blog 1 Post Taking a Look at the Double Bass

I am a bassist. This blog is about a bassist, so most of the content is going to be about basses and bassists. This blog will also chronicle my life as a bassist.   So if you visit this blog, I want you to know upfront we are going to talk about any and everything that represents and reflects the “bottom line,” as the saying goes.  And I don’t know who coined the phrase, but Covering the Bass-ics is about “all Bass and no treble.” (Side bar: I am a percussionist too so discourse about that discipline is perfectly allowed).

For this discussion post however, I am going to provide you a brief history on the double bass.  For those of you who are novices, the double bass is that huge, over-sized looking violin that you see in most jazz bands. In fact, the double bass is a member of the violin family. That stringed- family includes the violin, viola, cello, and yes, the double bass.  The double bass represents the “lowest-pitched member” of the family. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica the double bass goes by the names:  upright bass, contrabass, string bass, bass, bass violin, bass fiddle, or bull fiddle, French contrebasse, and the German Kontrabass. (2014)

The history of the double bass dates back to the late 15th or early 16th century and was in common use by the 18th century. Ludwig van Beethoven and later composers gave the bass increased importance in the symphony orchestra. (2014)

 I don’t know if you have ever noticed or not, but in most cases, (although today it is not uncommon to find a modern electrified one), your standard double basses have no amplification. Also according to the article,

A double bass is usually strung with four heavy strings pitched E₁–A₁–D–G; a fifth string is occasionally added—in jazz band basses, at the top of the register to allow high notes to be played more easily; in symphony orchestra basses, below the E string, tuned to C. (2014)

 The bass can be played using a bow or plucked with the fingers, as in many jazz performances.

In jazz ensembles the bass forms part of the rhythm section and is also used as a melody instrument. It is often electronically amplified when played with such groups; an electric upright bass—a slender instrument that is easier to transport—is also common. In most rock and some jazz bands, the electric bass guitar takes the place of the double bass. (2014)

 Corey Brown in his 2011 online article for No Treble: Nothing But Bass cites in his opinion, ten of the most notable double or upright bass performances. Brown’s selection of Bassology featuring Willie Dixon is one of my all-time favorites. Take a look.

References

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/169851/double-bass

http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/01/27/top-ten-the-best-upright-bass-videos/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcqqyL-Y6Go