The Bass
other instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello
The double bass (also known as the contrabass, string bass, upright bass, bull fiddle, or simply bass) is the largest and lowest pitched bowed string instrument used in the modern symphony orchestra.
I love this instrument - so sonorous yet delicate and surprisingly nimble. Lots of powers, so often used by jazz combo’s.
lots more info on the Bass [from wikipedia]
EYS tutors for the Bass: at present none of our staff teach the Bass. However we can recommend good local tutors, and you are very welcome to join our chamber groups where you can perform with other string players of similar experience!
Advice
Buying: Basses are not cheap and are large, so you will need to think carefully about transport.
The bass is also the one stringed instrument where your size really does matter - the smallest available is the quarter size and is just under 38” in length. A half size bass is nearly 40” long and is suitable for players about five feet four inches high. Most adult players use a three quarter size bass which is almost 44"inches in length. As you can see the expressions ‘quarter’, ‘half’ & ‘three quarter’ size don’t directly apply to the instrument length!
If you are unable to afford to buy a bass EYS may be able to help; alternatively our local music shop has an interest free hire purchase scheme. Please contact Kirsty Hugill for more information.
At present EYS does not have a bass teacher but we can recommend good teachers in the Exeter area, and you will be welcome to play in the groups!
Playing: at Exeter Young Strings we only teach children under 6 years after they have spent a minimum of one term in our Music Awareness classes.
At Exeter Young Strings we run small chamber groups enabling members to have fun playing with children/teens of around the same age and standard. Members who take part in groups generally make faster progress and gain more enjoyment from their playing than children who only make music in isolation.
It is essential to have individual lessons in addition to the groups. You will find that some things you find harder than another person and will need more help with or you may find other things easy. Individual lessons also mean you can chose with your teacher the style of pieces you enjoy and, if you wish, take cello exams when you are ready. You are free to progress at your own rate.
Looking after: A beginner will not know as much about the bass as a more experienced player. With this in mind, it is important to be very careful with your bass . Basses are even more expensive than cello’s and some repair jobs are very costly. It is therefore worth insuring your instrument. If you think something is wrong with your bass, always ask your teacher. Do not attempt any repairs by yourself!
Always keep your bass in its case, loosen the bow when you are not using it and keep it at an even temperature (not next to the radiator!). Treat your bass and everything with it carefully. Ask your teacher for more information on proper maintenance.
The Bass in action
Some YouTube video clip[s] relating to the Bass:
J C Balis: Vanhal Concerto in D for Double Bass
Amati Double Bass Recital by Jason Heath
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