Double Bass (String Bass) Rental

What Is a Double Bass or String Bass?

The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the orchestral string family, which also includes the cello, viola and violin. In the symphony orchestra, it primarily serves as an anchor or foundation, providing rhythmic direction, grounding the harmonies and adding depth and warmth, but it is also capable of rich melodic expression. The term “double bass” dates back more than two centuries and reflects the instrument’s original role in orchestral music — to “double” the lower parts, especially the cello, an octave below.

The double bass is essential to the “rhythm section” in acoustic jazz, where bassists play walking bass lines and other grooves to support the band, in addition to improvising solos. In bluegrass, classic country, blues, folk, rockabilly and early rock ’n’ roll, the double bass mainly outlines the harmony and provides rhythmic thrust.

Prior to the rise of the electric bass in the 1950s and ’60s, the double bass was the primary source of low end in popular music. It’s still commonly used in pop, indie, Americana and other contemporary genres whenever a deeper, richer and more resonant sound is needed.

What Are the Other Names for the Double Bass?

A deeply versatile instrument, the double bass goes by several different names depending on the musical genre and ensemble. In classical circles, you might come across the term “contrabass.” In jazz, rockabilly, rock, folk, country and bluegrass you might hear “upright bass” or, less frequently, “standup bass.” “Acoustic bass” is a useful term when differentiating the instrument from the electric bass guitar. Country, bluegrass and folk bassists are sometimes said to play the “bass fiddle.” The term “string bass” is helpful for band directors and music educators who want to distinguish the double bass from low brass instruments that play bass lines. Of course, the double bass is also commonly known by its simplest name — the bass.

How Do You Play the Double Bass?

To play the double bass, the left hand presses the strings onto the fingerboard to change pitch, while the right hand either draws a bow across the strings for sustained tones or plucks them for shorter, more percussive sounds. In rockabilly and early rock ’n’ roll, bassists often employ a percussive technique called “slap bass,” in which the strings are lifted and snapped back against the fingerboard.

In an orchestra, bassists either stand or sit on a stool, with the instrument leaning against their body. An endpin at the bottom of the instrument rests on the floor for stability. In jazz, rockabilly and bluegrass, bassists generally stand.

Why the Double Bass Is a Great Instrument for Your Child

The double bass is a fantastic rental instrument for children, helping to improve coordination, strength and focus. It is available in a variety of sizes that accommodate young learners as they grow. As a foundational instrument, the double bass teaches students how to take responsibility and support the group — an important lesson in teamwork and discipline.

Its versatility across genres also means your child will have the chance to participate in a wide variety of ensembles, from orchestras and jazz bands to bluegrass jams. Some chamber groups and concert bands include the instrument as well. And by learning the double bass, your child will gain skills that can easily transfer to the electric bass, opening the door to opportunities in R&B, rock, metal and more.

Renting vs. Buying a Double Bass

When considering a double bass rental, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of renting vs. buying an instrument. If your child is already dedicated to the double bass, purchasing may be the better route. For beginners, renting is a low-risk way to discover an instrument without a big upfront investment.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Double Bass?

Double bass rental rates at Music & Arts are consistently affordable across the country, with pricing that varies by location and school. Special introductory offers make it even easier to get started. Considering that a top-quality student-level double bass with accessories can easily cost over $3,000, renting an instrument from Music & Arts is a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

Double Bass Products and Accessories

Your double bass rental comes with everything you need to start playing, including a padded bag, a bow and rosin. Rosin is a sticky substance that helps the bow grip the strings so that they vibrate and produce sound.

Additionally, your child’s music teacher at school will recommend key accessories that you’ll be able to purchase during the rental process, as well as a method book.

Here are a few more items we highly recommended for your child’s practice space:

• Extra Rosin: Double bass rosin is specially formulated for the instrument. It’s stickier and softer than rosin for violin, viola or cello, providing the increased grip required for the heavier strings and larger bows used with the double bass.
• Music Stand: To encourage good posture and focus, every musician needs a sturdy, adjustable music stand to hold their sheet music and method books while practicing.
• Tuner and Metronome: Every practice session should begin with tuning, so pick up a digital tuner that is both precise and easy to use. A metronome is a small device that provides a steady beat to practice along to, helping your child improve their sense of rhythm and musical time. These tools are available individually or combined into a single product.
• Strings: Good news — double bass strings are durable and long-lasting, and generally only need to be replaced every year or so. But they will need to be changed eventually, especially if your child practices regularly. Music & Arts carries a broad assortment of double bass strings from top manufacturers.
• Cleaning Kit: A cleaning kit contains products that you’ll need to keep your child’s instrument looking and playing great.

Learn more about the accessories your child needs in this Buyer’s Guide.

Next Steps for Your Double Bass Rental

Private lessons: As the leading provider of private music lessons in the United States, Music & Arts is the ideal place for your child to learn to play, advance their skills and supplement their school instruction. Visit our Music Lessons page or find a store near you.

Continue renting: If your child is enjoying the instrument, you can extend your rental period with Music & Arts.

Buy an instrument: Music & Arts rental fees act as credit toward the purchase of an instrument. If you wish to buy a rentable, student-level double bass, your accrued rental payments can cover up to 100 percent of the instrument’s purchase price. Buy early, before your rental term expires, to receive a discount of up to 30 percent.

Double Bass Rental FAQs

How do I rent a double bass from Music & Arts?

You can rent online in just a few simple steps. First, visit our Instrument Rentals page. Then, search for and select your school. Choose your instrument, confirm or select your trial period, and add any method books or supplies. Finally, enter the student and renter information, choose your delivery method and complete the billing details.

What comes with my double bass rental?

Your double bass rental includes the instrument, a padded bag, a bow and rosin.

Will my double bass rental be new?

Most rental instruments are like-new. We recommend renting a previously used instrument, as each one is professionally adjusted for optimal playability. A young learner with a poorly maintained instrument may struggle to progress.

How long will it take to receive my double bass?

If you choose Ship to Home, orders are processed within 48 hours and typically arrive within one to five days, depending on your location. For Pick Up at School, delivery is arranged by your child’s music teacher. If you select Pick Up at Store, the store will contact you when your instrument is ready — usually within 48 hours.