Double Bass Strings
Premium Double Bass Strings
Having the right strings is essential in producing the best sound from your string instrument. And when playing the double bass (arguably the king of string instruments), ensuring that the four heavy strings (E-A-D-G) are suitable for you and your double bass is crucial in the overall sound quality and playability of your instrument.
Let Simply for Strings bring your instrument to life! We have a wide selection of the highest-quality double bass strings in various gauges and sets to fit any style and budget. Our team of experts carefully chose all our strings to ensure they deliver the best results on a vast range of instruments.
Learn more about what bass strings you need to create the sound you want.
Tuning Your Double Bass
The double bass is unique because it is tuned differently from any other stringed instrument. It is the only modern bowed string instrument tuned in fourths: E1, A1, D2 and G2. A fifth string is occasionally added in jazz band basses or symphony orchestra basses. The notes on the bass strings have a different scale length than the rest!
Here are the four notes that a double bass is tuned to and are usually tuned from low to high:
- E1 is the low note (usually tuned at E2 on the open D string)
- A1 is the mid-note (usually tuned to A2 on the open G string)
- D2 is the mid-note (usually tuned to D3 on the open A string)
- G2 is the high note (usually tuned to G3 on the open E string)
Finding the Right Double Bass Strings
When choosing bass strings, the right kind will differ from musician to musician. It all depends on the type of music you play, your technique, and your skill level.
Here is a quick guide to learn what to find when shopping for strings for your double bass.
Double Bass String Sets
If you're wanting to improve the sound of your double bass, we recommend replacing all your strings with a new string set. Often, players will only replace one string at a time, but this can lead to inconsistencies in sound across the four strings.
Simply for Strings stocks a range of Double Bass String Sets suitable for beginners right through to professional players. We are an authorised stockist for the big string brands and offer competitive prices.
Double Bass G Strings
The G string is the double bass’s “high” note – the string with the highest pitch on the instrument. Explore our various Double Bass G Strings and pick the perfect tone for you.
Double Bass D Strings
The D string is the most used double bass string as it plays a fundamental role in creating the tonal identity of the instrument. Find premium Double Bass D Strings in our collection from world-class brands such as D’Addario, Pirastro, Thomastik and more.
Double Bass A Strings
The A string is the second lowest pitched string on the double bass and is responsible for the middle tone of the instrument. The A string is responsible for the middle tone of the string arrangement. If you’re looking for professional quality Double Bass A Strings, look no further than Simply for Strings’ collection.
Double Bass E Strings
The E string is the lowest pitched string on the double bass and produces a deep and powerful tone. Have a look at our complete collection of Double Bass E Strings and upgrade your E string today!
Strings that Exceed Your Expectations – Simply for Strings
When it comes to premier string instruments and accessories in the Australian market, Simply for Strings is at the forefront.
Get your double bass strings from our online store and enjoy free shipping* for Australia-wide orders over $99!
Feel free to contact our professional team if you have questions about our products and services.
*Free shipping on Australia-wide orders does not apply to large, bulky freight items.
Why do my double bass strings keep breaking?
It is unusual for double bass strings to snap. However, if your double bass string keeps breaking near the machine heads or near the tailpiece, it could mean there is extra friction being applied to the string, causing it to break or snap. We recommend having your double bass examined by a luthier (string instrument repairer) to avoid breakages in the future. When fitting any new strings to your double bass, be sure to slowly tighten the string to avoid breakages.
How do I fit strings to my double bass?
Using a soft graphite pencil, ‘colour’ in the corresponding groove on the bridge and at the top of the fingerboard (near the pegbox). This will ensure the string slides smoothly through these contact points and does not catch on any part of the instrument. Insert the plain end of the string into the corresponding machine head hole. Tighten the string by winding the peg away from you. Keep the other hand pulling the string away from the machine head to maintain tension on the string. This will keep the string ‘straight’ on the peg. Cross the string over itself once at the start of the tightening process and then wind the remainder of the string towards the machine ‘head’ ensuring that it remains neat on the machine head. You may wish to use a screwdriver with a machine head attachment to speed up this process.
How do I tune my double bass?
You can refine the tuning with the use of a tuner or tuning fork to help you find the correct pitch. When using the machine heads, turning them clockwise ensures the pitch is raised. If you turn it anti-clockwise, the pitch is lowered. ‘Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty’ is a great rhyme to help you remember.
My double bass strings sound bad, how can I fix this?
If your double bass strings sound "bad", it may mean that you need to use less rosin on your bow, to prevent a raspy tone from occurring, or you may need to upgrade your string. Strings are crafted using precious metals and materials that deteriorate over time. If your double bass strings are over 12-18 months old and sounding bad, chances are they need to be replaced. We recommend Pirastro Obligato, Thomastik Spirocore or D'Addario Zyex strings if you're wanting a warm tone. If you're wanting a brighter tone, we recommend Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, D'Addario Prelude or D'Addario Helicore strings.
I'm nervous about fitting new double bass strings, can you fit them for me?
Here at Simply for Strings, we fit any string purchased from us to your instrument for free. We'd be more than happy to show you our tips and tricks along the way so you can also learn more about changing and fitting strings to your instrument. Appointments and walk-ins are welcomed at any time at our Brisbane store.
What size double bass strings do I need?
The size of the double bass strings we sell are indicated at the end of the product title, ie. 3/4, 1/2-3/4, 1/4-1/8. We recommend purchasing strings that have been manufactured for the double bass size you play on, so the playability and tension are optimised for your instrument.
