Double Bass vs Upright Bass: Is There A Difference?

Once at a music store, I got confused about Double Bass vs Upright Bass, but they’re actually the same thing!

These big, classy string instruments stand tall and make deep, rich sounds like friendly giants.

As a string player, I’ve embraced many basses, feeling the vibrations of their strings under my fingers.

Despite their enormous size, their warm sound is captivating, welcoming both experienced players and curious beginners to pluck or bow their deep notes.

Keep reading as we explore the fascinating history, different sizes, and unique sounds that make these instruments necessary in many types of music. Stay tuned, and I’ll give you some tips on telling your basses apart like a pro.

When I get to talk about the double bass, also known colloquially as an upright bass, you can bet I’m buzzing with excitement.

It’s a masterwork of design, combining size, materials, and craftsmanship to create a musical instrument and a living piece of art!

Size Comparisons

The ¼ size is traditionally 1.56 meters long for wee ones and young beginners. Moving up the ranks, the ½ size measures 1.66 meters, and the ¾, which adults commonly use, stands proud at 1.82 meters.

As for the 4/4, or Full-Size, these grand specimens reach about 1.83 meters from tip to toe, embodying the spirit of the string instrument family as its noble giants!

Materials and Craftsmanship

It’s no secret that quality is key, and I can vouch that maple and spruce are the go-to woods for top-notch double basses.

Craftspeople carefully carve solid wood to create a fully carved bass, bringing out the instrument’s soulful and moving sound. In contrast, laminated basses, more resistant to environmental warp and wheeze, employ thick, pressed maple layers to shape their sturdy backs and sides.

Whether it’s a carved or laminated double bass that catches your fancy, each is a testament to the marriage of natural resonance and luthier’s lore.

Two primary articulations define my musical expression: bowing and plucking.

Bowing (Arco) Vs. Pizzicato

Arco is where I draw my bow across the strings, letting my emotions flow into long, legato lines.

When I prefer a more rhythmic vibe, that’s when I turn to pizzicato, plucking the strings with a quick snap of my fingers.

For those lush, sustained notes, arco takes the cake.

It’s a classic technique, reminiscent of cello and violin, yet distinguished by the double bass’s profound depth.

Fingering and Hand Positions

Playing the double bass is different because it’s big.

I carefully move my fingers on the fingerboard, using the Simandl method to figure out where to put them systematically.

Hand positioning is crucial; it’s the difference between a mellow tune and a flurry of flustered notes.

My left hand must be precise, shifting gracefully over the fingerboard to ensure each note resonates with clarity.

Curious for more? Read the full article here! You won’t want to miss these insights.