JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

String Basses

Shop String Basses here at West Music!

*If you cannot view the products in this category, please click here

Your network security may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

Call us M-F 9am - 5pm CST to place your order over the phone at 1-800-397-9378.
Shop via a different network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).
Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist our site.
You can also access our digital catalog here to find and add items to your cart (product pages will load normally).
- Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product
- Click a link to navigate the product page
- And add it to your cart!
You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number( i.e. "123456") to the end of our URL (i.e. westmusic.com/123456).

If you cannot view the products in this category, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

1. To place your order over the phone, call us Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST at 1-800-397-9378.

2. Shop via a different browser or network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).

3. Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist js.klevu.com.

4. You can also click here to access our digital catalog. Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product, click a link to navigate the product detail page (product pages will load normally), and add it to your cart. You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number (i.e. "400278") to the end of our URL (i.e. Westmusic.com/400278).

String Bass

The string bass, the double bass or contrabass, stands as the resonant backbone of the orchestra, jazz ensembles, and beyond. Its deep, rich tones provide the foundational harmony and rhythm that underpin the ensemble, making it an indispensable instrument across various musical genres. From the acoustic bass designed for students to the versatile convert bass and the majestic orchestra bass, each variant of the string bass offers unique characteristics suited to different playing styles and settings. Let’s delve into the world of string basses, exploring the options available and what makes each one special.

The Student Acoustic Bass

An acoustic bass designed for students is typically built with playability and durability. These instruments are crafted to accommodate the needs of beginners, featuring manageable sizes (such as 3/4 or 1/2 sizes) and robust construction to withstand the rigors of learning. Student basses often incorporate materials and designs that make the instrument more accessible without sacrificing sound quality, providing a solid foundation for students to develop their technique and musicality.

The Double Bass

The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the string family, known for its versatility in both bowed (arco) and plucked (pizzicato) playing techniques. Its size and range allow it to perform a variety of roles, from anchoring the harmonic structure of an orchestra to driving the rhythm in a jazz combo. The double bass's rich, resonant sound adds depth and dimension to musical compositions, making it a favorite among composers and musicians.

The Orchestra Bass

An orchestra bass is specifically designed and voiced to blend seamlessly with other instruments in symphonic settings. These basses are selected for their ability to produce a powerful, resonant sound that can fill concert halls and support the orchestra's harmonic foundation. Crafted from high-quality woods and featuring intricate craftsmanship, orchestra basses are prized for their tonal beauty, dynamic range, and expressive capabilities, making them essential instruments for classical music performances.

The Concert Bass

"Concert bass" refers to an acoustic double bass modified with pickups or other amplification devices to enhance its sound for contemporary performance settings. This conversion allows bassists to bridge the gap between acoustic and electric performance, offering the rich tones of the double bass with the added volume and clarity provided by amplification. Convert basses are particularly popular in genres where the acoustic sound is cherished but needs a boost to cut through larger ensembles or noisy venues.

The String Bass in Various Ensembles

In its various forms, the string bass serves as the musical foundation in many ensembles, offering a depth and richness unmatched by any other instrument. Whether it's a student beginning their musical journey on an acoustic bass, a jazz musician amplifying their sound with a convert bass, or a professional filling the concert hall with the resonant tones of an orchestra bass, the string bass continues to be a vital and versatile instrument in the world of music. Its ability to adapt to different musical styles and settings ensures that the string bass will remain a cherished and indispensable instrument for generations.