Also known as the
contrabass, the double bass is the largest and lowest member of the
string family. It evolved from the Viol da Gamba family of instruments
which had frets and were all held between the knees to play. In Italy
around 1600 the double bass developed in shape towards the violin family,
with a swell back and the corners more pointed. By 1800 frets had disappeared
and instruments were smaller in size but it is not really until the
beginning of the 20th centuary do we see the modern day double bass
with 4 (or 5) strings completely established.
A very versatile
instrument, the double bass not only provides the bass line in symphony
and chamber orchestras, but is also very prominent in rock, jazz and
folk as well as classical styles of music. Being very closely related
to the bass guitar, many double bass players find it a natural progression
to play the bass guitar as well.
Because of the size
of the instrument it has been difficult in the past to learn it from
an early age but with smaller basses available in 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 sizes
there is no reason why someone as young as 6 or 7 cannot start to learn.
The double bass is large but it is not heavy, it will fit into almost
any car and with items like wheels, trollies and back straps available
it can be moved around without too many problems.
you will find links to some simple double bass lessons.