bassfiddle

The bass fiddle, also known as the double bass, contrabass, or upright bass, is the largest and deepest sounding member of the string family of orchestral instruments. It is played upright, with the musician standing or seated on a stool. The instrument has four strings, typically tuned in perfect fifths, from lowest to highest: E, A, D, and G. Some basses are equipped with a fifth string, usually tuned to C, to extend the lower range.

The double bass is a foundational instrument in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and various other musical genres. Its resonant sound provides the harmonic and rhythmic underpinning for much of Western music. It can be played using a bow, a technique known as arco, or by plucking the strings with the fingers, known as pizzicato. Both techniques produce distinct timbres and are essential to the instrument's versatility.

Historically, the double bass evolved from earlier bass string instruments. Its modern form solidified in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. luthiers like Domenico Montagnana and Gasparo da Salò were instrumental in shaping its design. The instrument's construction involves a large, hollow wooden body, a long neck, and the characteristic scroll at the top of the headstock. Its physical size and weight make it a challenging instrument to transport but contribute significantly to its powerful and sonorous tone.