Double Bass

The double bass is the largest and lowest pitched bowed string instrument. It stands 1.80 meters from scroll to endpin. Normally it has four strings but we can also find with three or five.

The double bass is played either with a bow or by plucking the strings (pizzicato). It is necessary to apply resin to the bow hair so it grips the string and makes it vibrate. The shoulders are typically sloped, the back is often angled. An important distinction between the double bass and other members of the violin family is the construction of the pegbox. While the violin, viola, and cello all use friction pegs for fine tuning adjustments, the double bass has metal machine heads.

Regarding wood, it is typically constructed with Spruce for the top and Maple for the back, neck and ribs. The fingerboard and the tailpiece are made with Ebony. The bow is made with Pernambuco. The double bass is generally regarded as a modern descendant of the string family of instruments that originated in Europe in the 15th century, and as such has been described a as bass violin. The exterior may resemble to the viola da gamba and the internal construction of the double bass is nearly identical to the instruments in the violin family.

What woods are used in the construction of a double bass?

Maple and spruce are primarily used, although in some cases, mahogany, walnut, or laminated woods are used for more affordable models.

How does the wood affect the tone of the double bass?

Denser wood provides greater sustain and depth in the bass, while lighter wood can offer better projection.

Why do some double basses have laminated tops instead of solid ones?

Laminated tops are more resistant to temperature and humidity changes, while solid tops offer better sound quality.

What is the best wood for the fingerboard of a double bass?

Ebony is the standard choice due to its durability and wear resistance.

How should wood for double bass construction be stored?

It should be kept in controlled conditions to prevent cracking or deformation before assembly.

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Clamps, Jaws and Fastening Elements

Klemmsia 200/150 Clamp

14883
€19.90
Overview Klemmsia 200/150 Clamp: Klemmsia wooden clamps, manufactured in Germany for over 100 years, are the pinnacle of simplicity: they are operated using just one lever. There is not a single screw in sight. Used by luthiers, carpenters and cabinetmakers alike for years, they combine pressure power and light weight like no other, which is essential...
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Fingerboards

B African Ebony Double Bass Fingerboard

1210
€164.40
Overview B African Ebony Double Bass Fingerboard: Ebony is a highly prized wood that is commonly used for bowed instruments. It is known for its exceptional hardness, durability, and smooth texture, making it an ideal choice for luthiers. One of the main advantages of ebony is its ability to withstand constant string tension and frequent playing,...
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14882
€11.90
Overview Klemmsia 200/110 Clamp: Klemmsia wooden clamps, manufactured in Germany for over 100 years, are the pinnacle of simplicity: they are operated using just one lever. There is not a single screw in sight. Used by luthiers, carpenters and cabinetmakers alike for years, they combine pressure power and light weight like no other, which is essential...
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Tools for Luthier

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15078
€2.35
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13733
€27.00
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Oils

OldWood Oil for Ebony 15 ml

15725
€4.60
Description of OldWood Ebony Black Restorer Oil for Ebony is formulated to protect the ebony wood of the fretboard. It contains high quality natural oils that penetrate deep into the wood, providing prolonged hydration that protects and extends the life of the instrument. It also enhances the natural beauty of the wood and prevents drying and cracking.It...
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15110
€14.70
Description of the Tataki-Nomi Chisel 6mm Width Blade Hosco TL-INM6 Japanese 6mm Tataki-Nomi chisel. Steel hardness HRC63 on the Rockwell scale. 225mm. The Tataki-Nomi chisels are Japanese bench chisels, very versatile, used in all types of woodworking, especially in the cutting of mortises due to their great precision. They are small chisels, ideal for...
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Fingerboards

A African Ebony Double Bass Fingerboard

1178
€217.00
Overview A African Ebony Double Bass Fingerboard: Ebony is a highly prized wood that is commonly used for bowed instruments. It is known for its exceptional hardness, durability, and smooth texture, making it an ideal choice for luthiers. One of the main advantages of ebony is its ability to withstand constant string tension and frequent playing,...
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14781
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Overview Hosco Stainless Protractor: Hosco Stainless Protractor to measure or check angles, perfect to make sure that the angle of our headstock or neck-to-body joint has the right inclination. Características: Material: Stainless steel
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Keiryu Japonese Knife

13736
€27.00
General description of the Japanese Keiryu knife: The Japanese knife Keiryu is perfect for wood shaping from any angle. Additionally, due to its round handle, it fits perfectly in the hand, preventing fatigue during many hours of work. It is made of aogami steel, also known as blue steel. It is an alloy that contains low amounts of phosphorus and...
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10803
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Iwasaki Extra Fine Tooth Flat File Mod. MKCP8A5B
Japanese Files with Handle

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9140
€20.80
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Shozo Japanese Carving Knife 9 mm
Japanese Knives

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9114
€50.60
      Material: High Quality Japanese Steel Dimensions: 180x11x9 mm Technical data: Shozo Japanese Hight Quality Steel Carving Knife 9 mm is a tool with great durability of the sharpening and we recommend grinding water. It is ideal for parts of difficult access, to shape Neck Heel roughly.    
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Sharpening, Sandpapers, Abrasives and Polished

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Description of OldWood Italian Cream Cleaner and Polish Designed to polish and protect classical stringed instruments such as violins, violas and cellos. It cleans, enhances and preserves the finish, eliminating stains and dust while enhancing the aesthetics of the instrument.The ideal ratio of its components facilitates effective cleaning of the...
Ibex Curved Spare Blade...
Planes, Saws and Blades

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10373
€23.00
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Iwasaki 150 Fine Tooth Flat File Mod. MKCP150A4
Japanese Files without Handle

Iwasaki 150 Fine Tooth Flat File Mod. MKCP150A4

9132
€21.50
    Measurements: 120x16 mm   Material: Japanese Steel   Tooth: 2,1 mm Technical data: Iwasaki 150 Fine Tooth Flat File Mod. MKCP150A4 is an ideal tool to shape the Neck, it is also very precise and achieves clean and very fine finishes. Fast and efficient smooth. Double blade.  
Shozo Japanese Carving Knife 15 mm
Japanese Knives

Shozo Japanese Carving Knife 15 mm

9118
€50.60
      Material: High Quality Japanese Steel Dimensions: 175x11x15 mm   Technical data: Shozo Japanese Hight Quality Steel Carving Knife 15 mm is a tool with great durability of the sharpening and we recommend grinding water. It is ideal for parts of difficult access, to shape Neck Heel roughly.  
Shozo Double Edged Japanese Carving Knife 12 mm
Japanese Knives

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9116
€50.60
      Material: High Quality Japanese Steel  Dimensions: 175x11x12 mm Technical data: Shozo Double Edged Japanese Hight Quality Steel Carving Knife 12 mm is a tool with great durability of the sharpening and we recomend grinding water. It is ideal for parts of difficult access, to shape Neck Heel roughly. Double edged use....
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15752
€9.60
Luban No. 62 Low Angle Joint Plane Replacement Blade Luban planes offer excellent value and quality, and are inspired by the standards of historic British manufacturers. Highly recommended by luthiers, cabinet makers and woodworkers, these planes offer great precision thanks to their +/- 1.5 thousandth of an inch tolerance grinding and blades made of T10...
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Tools for Luthier

Tataki-Nomi Chisel 15mm Width Blade Hosco TL-INM15

15113
€15.30
Description of the Tataki-Nomi Chisel 15mm Width Blade Hosco TL-INM15 Japanese 15mm Tataki-Nomi chisel. Steel hardness HRC63 on the Rockwell scale. 225mm. The Tataki-Nomi chisels are Japanese bench chisels, very versatile, used in all types of woodworking, especially in the cutting of mortises due to their great precision. They are small chisels, ideal...
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13732
€27.00
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Tools for Luthier

Maru Japonese Knife

13735
€27.00
General description of the Maru Japonese knife: The round-shaped knife "Maru", which means round, is used for working curved areas and drawing curved lines, such as in wood crafting. It is made of aogami steel, also known as blue steel. It is an alloy that contains low amounts of phosphorus and sulfur, it contains tungsten and chromium which are added to...
The Japanese double-edged flat style knife "Hiraba-Moroha" is a versatile and effective tool for working with fine wood. The Japanese double-edged flat style knife "Hiraba-Moroha" is a versatile and effective tool for working with fine wood. 2
Japanese Knives

Hiraba-Moroha Japonese Knife

13739
€27.00
General description of the Japanese Hiraba-Moroha Knife: The Japanese double-edged flat style knife "Hiraba-Moroha" is a versatile and effective tool for working with fine wood. Its double-edged design allows for easy cutting in both directions, while its flat shape makes it ideal for precise and detailed work. This knife should be used with the dominant...
Iwasaki Extra Fine Tooth Half-round File Mod. MKCP8B5B
Japanese Files with Handle

Iwasaki Extra Fine Tooth Half-round File Mod. MKCP8B5B

9141
€20.80
 Características: Measurements: 100x10 mm Material: Japanese Steel Tooth: 1,2 mm Technical data: Iwasaki Extra Fine Tooth Half-round File Mod. MKCP8B5B is an ideal tool to shape the Neck, it is also very precise and achieves clean and very fine finishes. Fast and efficient smooth.
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