Articles
How to Choose an Acoustic Double Bass (String, Upright)
by Christopher Vance
In matching a double bass to a specific player, many things must be considered. Unlike violins and other stringed instruments, there hasn't been a standardized set of specifications for building these instruments throughout history, resulting in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the amount of money paid for an instrument does not always reflect the quality of the tone or the craftsmanship but more often is a reflection of its pedigree and antique/investment value.
There are many criteria for evaluating a double bass; typically they go in this order:
- The Maker
- Country of Origin
- Condition
- Age
- Physical Beauty
- Tone
- Playability
- Investment Potential
The Maker
Similar to violins, instruments by specific makers typically fetch higher prices. Maggini, Gofriller, Guadaninni, Rogeri, etc. are examples of fine old Italian instruments. Panormo, Kennedy, Fendt, and Hawkes are examples of fine old English basses. Although instruments by these craftsmen will fetch the highest prices, they aren't necessarily be the best sounding. Each of these makers have made extraordinary instruments, but they have also made some mediocre instruments, and in some cases some very poor instruments. Each of these luthiers went through different phases during which their methods varied and they had inconsistent accessibility to the finest materials. Recently, I have seen many players of these fine old instruments trade down to instruments by much less known contemporary makers insisting that the money-to-tone ratio is far better.
Country of Origin
Although many of the finest sounding instruments throughout time have come out of Italy, that does not mean that all Italian instruments are the best and, conversely, that does not mean that instruments of other nationalities are inferior (despite the all too common mythology!). Basses from England by select makers are valued to at least the same amounts as Italian instruments and in many cases even more. Abraham Prescott was a bass maker living in New England (yes, in the USA) in the early 1800's whose instruments are extremely sought after by professional bassists. Some players have old German basses that they wouldn't trade for the world, and many are turning to contemporary instruments from Canada and the U.S. as well as Europe. Common sense will dictate that you could be outstandingly good or horrendous at making an instrument no matter where you are in the world!
Condition
This is an extremely important element in choosing a string bass. Due to the sheer size and awkwardness of the instrument, it is nearly impossible to find an old bass without structural damage. The extent of the damage as well as the quality of the repair work is what should be evaluated. A few well repaired table cracks — as long as they aren't near the bass bar — are common place and should not cause alarm, but extensive damage and poor repair work will cause its owner a lot of grief. Cracks can buzz, the tone and response can change dramatically with each season change, the neck can shift, etc. This is why it is important to find an instrument is good shape.
Age
All things being equal, there is no doubt that an old instrument will sound better than a new one. With age, the wood hardens and develops more resonant characteristics. An advantage of buying an old upright bass is that the wood has already settled, so you know where it is going to end up - if a 200 year old bass hasn't developed a warped top or neck, or serious cracks, you can be fairly certain that it will retain its health indefinitely if properly cared for. On the other hand, an advantage to buying a new instrument is that it should not have any of these problems, it should be as perfect as it will ever be. If it was properly constructed and if it is properly cared for throughout its life, then it also should be trouble-free.
Physical Beauty
The appearance of an instrument is only that, it has nothing to do with the tone or playability. Quite often customers will gravitate towards an instrument with highly flamed wood or other pretty characteristics, and understandably so — it is important to look good! (It is difficult to eat a meal that may taste great but looks like unappetizing.) There are many modern makers that take great pains to make a bass look like a fine old Italian masterpiece. If there is a connection with physical beauty and tone it has to do with the amount of time and effort the maker put into the instrument and the fact that they deemed that instrument worthy of such extra attention.
Tone
There are hundreds of adjectives that describe the tone of an acoustic bass: "Dark, Bright, Punchy, Lyrical, Big, Deep," and on and on and on. This is a very personal and subjective value. One certainty is that a great bass will be loud and powerful. In trying basses it is very hard to determine how the bass will sound in a hall as a listener, as opposed to how you hear it under you ear. Many of the best basses sound small and scratchy under your ear but a absolutely stunning in a concert hall. It is best to bring another bassist with you when trying basses as to ascertain the full tonal palate of each instrument you are trying. Other aspects to keep in mind is the response and balance between registers.
Playability
Since the Double Bass has not been standardized until quite recently, it is important to make sure that the bass is the right size for you. The standard string length (mensure) of a double bass is 42 inches, although many are considerably smaller that this. The depth of the ribs and the width of the shoulders are also key factors in accessing the entire range of the bass. If you cannot play the bass in all registers and do it in tune, then it is not the right instrument for you. I have seen countless bassists have to give up an instrument because it was too big for them to play comfortably.
Investment Potential
A fine Italian or English double bass with a label and papers from a reputable authenticator can have long-term investment potential. In the past 50 years the value on these instruments has exponentially gone through the roof! However, if you are a player and rely on your bass to earn a living, then tone and playability should far outweigh the investment potential, especially since your investment will be hauled around to countless gigs which put it at risk. For a collector or an amateur this might not be the case, but always remember that after losing the audition you can't go back and say "but it has great investment potential!"
Additional Considerations
It is very important to deal with a violin shop as opposed to a store that sells other musical items such as flutes, guitars, keyboards, etc. Bowed string instruments need people with specialized training and focus who can do proper set-ups, select the best strings for the individual instrument, and generally maximize a stringed instrument's potential. An expensive instrument can sound and behave as badly as a student instrument if it is not properly set-up. Since a violin shop is so specialized most string players in a particular city will usually know about and recommend the best shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a teacher help students pick a bass?
A teacher's input can be very helpful in selecting a bass, particularly if the teacher is a good player. Sound can be very subjective and the student should have the benefit of a good ear for sound from the teacher.
It is important, however, to make sure the teacher can be objective in the selection. There are occasions where the teacher is getting a commission from the dealer or shop. Since the teacher is spending a lot of time in the decision process he or she should be compensated. However, if there is a choice for instance between a couple of instruments, one from a shop where the teacher gets a commission and another from a shop that doesn't give commissions, it is important that the best instrument is recommended. This can be a very awkward situation.
What is the price range for an intermediate or advanced instrument?
For a reasonably serious student to professional the range is likely to be between approximately $1500 - $5000. Depending on your situation it may be better to start from the other side of the equation: how much can you spend? Then, look for the best sounding instrument in good condition in that range. Bass making is a very inexact science. There are many fine expensive basses that don't sound well and there are many inexpensive basses that do sound well. You need to pick up as many as you can and play them.
When should I rent instead of buy or vise versa?
It is a good idea to rent if the person playing is a beginner. This gives you the flexibility of getting rid of the instrument if there isn't progress. However, most rental instruments are of the most basic quality, which means they don't have a great sound and may not be as "playable" as a higher quality instrument. There is always a dilemma here. Ideally you should rent a bass long enough to evaluate whether there is a true interest in learning and playing the instrument. When an adequate level of seriousness is evidenced, invest in the best instrument you can afford at the next level. (The "next level" is a very broad place.) A playable, good sounding instrument makes practicing much more pleasurable and will increase progress. If the student is committed, the time to upgrade is at the point the when the musician can tell the difference between a cheap starter instrument and a better one.
Many shops give you credit for a certain amount of money in the rental and will apply it to the purchase of either that instrument or a better one.
Making stringed instruments is both an art and a science. Selecting one is similar. Some of your considerations should be logical: is the instrument in good repair? Will it hold or increase its value? Is it "playable" for me? But you also have to use your emotions and artistic judgement: does this instrument delight me? Can I make it sing? Does it give me chills? You're going to spend a lot of time with this instrument, whatever you pay for it, so evaluate it on as many levels as you can.
Good Luck!
