Kontrabasser

Kontrabasser is the plural form of kontrabass in Danish and Norwegian, and refers to the double bass, the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the violin family. The instrument is typically six feet tall and played upright, either standing or seated with the endpin extended. It has four strings, usually tuned in perfect fourths an octave below the cello: E1–A1–D2–G2. Some players use five-string contrabasses with an additional low B or C string.

The instrument provides the bass line and foundational harmonic support in many musical genres. In classical music, contrabasses form the bass section of orchestras and chamber ensembles, reading bass clef parts that often span an octave or more. In jazz and folk, players frequently perform pizzicato bass lines or arco passages and may use amplification or pick-ups in large venues.

Historically, the contrabass evolved from early violone families in Europe during the 15th to 18th centuries. It developed the modern four-string setup and a standardized size during the 18th and 19th centuries, with makers in Italy and Germany contributing to its design.

The instrument is usually constructed with a spruce top, maple back and ribs, and a carved or laminated neck.

Common playing techniques include arco (with the bow) and pizzicato (plucked). In addition to orchestral and jazz contexts, contrabass is used in contemporary and experimental music.

The term kontrabasser emphasizes the instrument itself or the players in Danish and Norwegian contexts.