The double bass is a string instrument that is often used by many music professionals around the world. It is often played in country music, chamber music, rock and roll, bluegrass, concern band, jazz, folk music, and lots more.
When compared to other bowed string instruments that we have today, this musical instrument is the largest and has the lowest pitch.
Notably, the double bass is not the same as the bass guitar and cannot be classified as a guitar. The other names of this instrument include contrabass, standup bass, and upright bass.
What are the Best Professional Double Bass?
2) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass (Size 3/4, Black)
- Oak fingerboard
- Plated brass tuning machine head
- Premium grade oak tailpiece
- Bridge with thumb wheel height adjusters
- Hardwood endpin plug
1) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass (Size 1/2, Natural-100)
- Oak fingerboard
- Plated brass tuning machine head
- Premium grade oak tailpiece
- Bridge with thumb wheel height adjusters
- High quality
3) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass (Size 3/4, Natural-200)
- Natural finish with flamed back and inlaid purfling
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Premium grade ebony tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay
- Brazilwood bow with ebony frog
What are the types of double basses?
The material used for making a double bass is undoubtedly one of the most essential factors that will determine its quality, durability, and beauty. Generally, this instrument comes in three categories – carved, laminated, and hybrid.
The carved double basses, which are also known as fully-carved basses, are the costliest type of this instrument. Their materials are of the highest quality. They also have the richest and most exceptional sounds. Only professional and seasoned players will get the most out of this type.
Laminated double basses are often the cheapest type. Carved out of plywood, this type does not usually produce quality sound. Laminated basses are best recommended for individuals that are just learning the rope of playing the instrument. Hybrid type, on the other hand, is carved at the top whereas the sides and back contain laminated plywood.
Important tips
· Don’t choose a double bass because of the brand name
· The sound and size of the instrument should be your main considerations
· Ensure that neck of the instrument is not nailed in
· Make sure the double bass features the original scroll
6 Best Professional Double Bass Reviews
1) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass with an Adjustable Bridge, Bow, Rosin, and Gig Bag (Size 1/2, Natural-100)
Although there are tons of double basses in the market, Cecilio is known to produce some of the best. Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass is made of top-quality oak fingerboard that is not only functional but also boosts the overall appeal of the instrument.
It comes with a plated brass turning machine head that makes it easy for you to control the tones that you want the instrument to produce. Another cool feature of this 1/2 double bass is that it features high-quality grade oak tailpiece that you can hardly find in some other products.
Furthermore, Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass has a bridge with thumb wheel height adjusters that make it possible for you to adjust some parts of the instrument.
To assist you to amplify the sound of the double bass, it already boasts of having hardwood endpin plug and 10mm endpin.
Along with your double bass, you will get padded soft case, Brazilwood bow and lots more. The shipping weight of the whole package is 350 pounds.
2) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass
Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass is another quality product from Cecilio. It features an oak finger that is beautiful and functional. It is worthwhile to note that the size of this product is 3/4; hence, it is a great product for professional players that want to get the most out of playing the instrument.
This black double bass has a plated brass tuning machine head that is designed for controlling the tune coming out of the instrument. In addition, the tailpiece of Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass is made of high-grade oak.
And if you want to adjust the bridge, you only have to make use of the thumb wheel height adjusters that form some of the core features of the product. You should note that you need to set the bridge yourself before you start using it.
In general, the build of this musical instrument is solid; therefore, it can produce good volume as you play it. You can also use its hardwood endpin plug and the accompanying 10mm endpin. Besides, the package has many accessories that include Brazilwood bow, Mongolian horsehair, and padded soft case.
3) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass
This 3/4 double bass has a great build, produces a good sound and features many accessories; therefore, it gives you the basic things that you can get from double basses.
Its color is coded natural-200 due to the natural finish that it has. Also, this product has a flamed back as well as inlaid purfling that increases its overall look.
In addition, Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass features Rosewood fingerboard and plated brass turning machine head. Moreover, the tailpiece has been aesthetically constructed with top-quality ebony.
You can also take advantage of the hardwood endpin plug and 10mm endpin of this musical instrument to make your listener enjoy what you are playing better. Similarly, it has a Brazilwood double bass bow that comes with original Mongolian horsehair and ebony frog.
Adjustable bridge, soft case, and rosin cake are basic accessories of Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass. On top of all these features and accessories, you can enjoy a 1-year warranty that covers all the defects of the manufacturer.
4) Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass - 1/2 Size
Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass features a graduated spruce top that is carved with hands by some of the most seasoned craftsmen in the field. Similarly, this double bass has D'Addario Prelude strings.
These factors contribute to the volume and clarity of the instrument. Also, a more focused sound and attack are offered by this double bass’s sides, back, and neck, which are all made with handcarved maple.
Furthermore, you are guaranteed the ideal intonation and finger positions because the neck relief, string spacing, and string height are all done perfectly. The musical instrument also comes with premium ebonite fingerboard, saddle, ebony nut and tailpiece that are not just durable but are also aesthetic.
To make it easy for you to transport and store the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass, you will get a free black 600-denier bag. This padded nylon bag is well-designed so that it will add to the overall appeal of the instrument. The weight of the product is measured to be 24 pounds while the dimensions are 67 x 24.2 x 13 inches.
5) Double Bass M. Ravel, 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass (BA1001/2)
This double bass is produced by M. Ravel and is one of the best you can get in the market today. It features a laminated body as well as a slight flame that ensures that it can provide quality sounds.
The size of M. Ravel, 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass (BA1001/2) is measured to be ½; hence, it is suitable for most professional players. Apart from the double bass itself, you will also get high-quality Brazilwood bow as well as a heavily padded bag that is primarily designed to help you take your double bass anywhere you want.
The straps, pocket and handles of the bag increase its versatility. Also, the bag serves as a protective material for the musical instrument.
M. Ravel, 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass has weight of 40 pounds and product dimensions of 58 x 28 x 10 inches. Overall, the quality of this instrument is great and you will hardly regret buying it because it provides most of the things you can desire in a double bass.
6) GRACE 4/4 Size Student Natural Upright Double Bass
Design, materials and sound quality are the three features that differentiate GRACE 4/4 Size Student Natural Upright Double Bass from several other double basses that you might have come across. Foremost, this product has an eye-catching and beautiful arched back construction.
Also, different materials are combined to make the double bass. While sides, neck and back are made with maple, the material of the top is spruce. The fingerboard and fittings, on the other hand, have hardwood whereas the tailpiece is made with alloy.
Other amazing features of the product you should look out for include wood frog, French-style, wood stick as well as original horsehair. Weight of the item is measured to be 59 pounds.
Similarly, the dimensions of the package are 84 x 32 x 17.5 inches. GRACE 4/4 Size Student Natural Upright Double Bass has a lot of accessories that will help you enjoy playing the instrument.
Some of the accessories include metro tuner, rosin, music stand, and additional set strings. Also, you will get a well-padded carrying bag for moving your double bass from one place to another.
Choosing the Best Professional Double Bass
In a nutshell, there are various kinds of professional double bass that are available in the market today. Therefore, the choice is all yours to make. Irrespective of the double bass you have bought, maintenance is most vital element that will determine whether you will be able to use the instrument for a long time or not.
2) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass (Size 3/4, Black)
- Oak fingerboard
- Plated brass tuning machine head
- Premium grade oak tailpiece
- Bridge with thumb wheel height adjusters
- Hardwood endpin plug
1) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass (Size 1/2, Natural-100)
- Oak fingerboard
- Plated brass tuning machine head
- Premium grade oak tailpiece
- Bridge with thumb wheel height adjusters
- High quality
3) Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass (Size 3/4, Natural-200)
- Natural finish with flamed back and inlaid purfling
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Premium grade ebony tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay
- Brazilwood bow with ebony frog
Generally, you must protect your double bass from too much dryness. Keep the instrument in a place with humidity of about 35 to 40%. Home cooling system and room humidifier can play a pivotal role in helping you maintain the bass.
This is most important if you have purchased a fully carved or hybrid double bass. As expected, you should also endeavor to clean the instrument regularly and prevent dust and dirt from getting into it.
As long as you can maintain your double bass properly, you rest assured that it will serve for an extended period.