Upright Bass Facts
The upright bass, or double bass, is the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument. It can be played played with a bow (arco) or by plucking the strings (pizzicato). Classical music calls for the natural sound produced acoustically by the instrument. In other genres such as jazz and blues, the bass sound is usually amplified. Bass amplifiers have equalization controls that allow a player to boost low frequencies. Amplification gives a bassist more control over the tone of the instrument.
Among classical performers the instrument is called a contrabass, from its Italian name contrabbasso. Other common names are string bass, to distinguish it from a brass bass instrument, or simply bass. In jazz and other non-classical music genres, the instrument is called an upright bass or acoustic bass to differentiate it from the electric bass guitar. In folk and bluegrass music, it’s referred to by many names, including bass fiddle, bass violin, doghouse bass, and bull fiddle.
More Upright Bass Facts
Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a bassist.
Notable jazz double bassists from the 1940s and 1950s include Bill Black, Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, George Duvivier, Milt Hinton, Charlie Parker, Oscar Pettiford, and Wilbur Ware. Influential bassists in the post 1960s era include Stanley Clarke, Charlie Haden, Charles Mingus, and Jaco Pastorius.
Elvis Presley
Featuring Bill Black on Upright Bass
Elvis Presley with Bill Black on Double Bass
Listen to the Double Bass
“Heartbreak Hotel” Performed by Paul McCartney
In a brief clip from Chaos and Creation at Abbey Road, legendary musician Paul McCartney introduces an upright bass with ties to another music legend, Elvis Presley. The instrument was played by rock and roll pioneer Bill Black. He was the bassist in Elvis Presley’s early trio that also included guitarist Scotty Moore.
Paul McCartney
Limited Edition Poster Portrait
Paul McCartney – Do It in the Road (Rare)
A Legendary Upright Bass
The Blue Moon Boys: The Story of Elvis Presley’s Band
by Ken Burke and Dan Griffin, Foreword by Brian Setzer
The Blue Moon Boys: The Story of Elvis Presley’s Band
Best Gifts for Music Lovers
We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite upright bass player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Upright Bass collection.
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Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass with an Adjustable Bridge (Size 3/4, Black)
Product details:
- Ebony and basswood body, oak fingerboard
- Plated brass tuning machine head
- Premium grade oak tailpiece
- Bridge with thumb wheel height adjusters
- Hardwood endpin plug with 10mm endpin
- Padded nylon soft case with accessories pockets
- Brazilwood bow with ebony frog and unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair
Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass with an Adjustable Bridge, Bow, Rosin, and Gig Bag (Size 3/4, Black)Includes Padded Nylon Soft Case, Brazilwood Bow with Ebony Frog and Mongolian Horsehair, Rosin
Upright Bass Gift Ideas
If you need to find a gift for your favorite upright bass player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.
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John Patitucci Walking Bass: How to Play Walking Basslines On Any Chord Sequence – For Upright & Electric BassSuperior Bassworks Kevlar Cored Nylon Strings for Double Bass, Upright Bass – Dirty Gut Color- Full Set of 6 StringsHercules DS590B Double Bass Stand – Black – Strong Solid Construction Creates Steady Upright Bass SupportCello and Double Bass Round Endpin Stop – Anti-Slip Rest, Sound Stopper, Holder Pin – Beautiful Patterned Wood Design
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