Upright Bass

Standup, upright, or double bass, is the largest and lowest of stringed instruments in contemporary orchestras. Played with a bow or by plucking (also known as pizzicato), the upright bass has perhaps the most extensive crossover history among orchestral instruments, becoming integral to most popular music in the mid-20th century.

Evolving from the viola de gamba instruments of 15th century Europe, most early double basses had three strings. It’s also closely related to the violin family, sharing similarities in internal structure, despite its depth and steeply sloped shoulders. Upright basses usually have fretless, wooden fingerboards.

Standup basses can have backs that are rounded, flat, or angled. Most of the variations feature a raised wooden bridge framed by two f-holes, four strings that terminate at a raised tailpiece and scroll-carved head.