There are so many things to consider when you’re starting a new musical instrument, whether it is the double bass or the clarinet! It can feel a little overwhelming - what age is best to start, what accessories do I need, will I even enjoy this? We’re here to make the start of your musical journey a little easier - we know exactly how you’re feeling and it’s our pleasure to share our advice with you. This guide is perfect for parents or even adult learners themselves. What’s the best age to start as a child? A child should start learning when they are ready. What do we mean by that? You can start the learning process informally from a very early age - eg 3 years old, wait until 5 or 7 if you prefer. You can start the learning process with a very small bass (1/16 size) at a very young age, however, it’s probably best to wait until 7 or 8 years old because the double bass is such a large instrument. The guide we recommend looking for is interest. If the child is eager to learn, and is showing an inquisitiveness, there is more likely to be immediate progress. Some children may show a “want” regarding the double bass, but when we try to engage them they show no focus. Perhaps they simply aren’t ready! Some teachers in our team have experienced this over the years with their students, and they have come back a couple of years later ready to learn. Don’t force kids before they are ready - if they start in their own time, they are more likely to enjoy the journey, hence will show better progress as well. Thoughts from cellist, private teacher and former Education Queensland teacher, Michael: “The Education Department in Queensland has set the standard at primary school Grade 3 for stringed instruments and Grade 4 for wind and brass. This works very well for us in QLD, because generally by Grade 3 we find most children have better attention and retention. This also works well for group lessons with an ensemble focus. Many independent schools opt to have a strings immersion programme in Grade 1 or 2, and it works extremely well for them. When I taught in independent schools most of my beginners were in Grade 1, but there the groups were no bigger than two students in a lesson. As a private music teacher, I find children more able to apply themselves from Grade 1 or 2 in an individual session. If your child is showing an enquiring mind earlier, then great!” Get your kids into bass lessons if that’s what they want, but be aware that pre-Grade 1 children may not be able to focus well enough yet, and don’t turn them off music by pushing them too hard, too soon. The best thing you can do to get the ball rolling is expose your small child to music and see where it takes them. There are hundreds of music appreciation groups for small children around the country that will give your child an excellent start to their musical journey before progressing to a double bass. Learning as an adult The most frequently asked question from adults at Simply for Strings is this - have I left it too late? And our answer? It’s never too late to start. Many adults take up a musical instrument. Often it’s when their children are a bit older and you have time to do something for yourself, or you’re an adult who would like to re-start. If it’s something you’re passionate about and can invest time in most days (even if it’s just 15 minutes) why not? We are often asked by older people if they have left it too late. It’s never too late to start, and by all accounts is very good for our aging brains. Those of us who teach have had beginners in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even in their 70s! Learn more about the benefits of learning a stringed instrument. What double bass should I buy? There are thousands of options on the market, so it’s important that you shop with a reputable violin store or maker. Here at Simply for Strings, we pride ourselves on setting up each and every double bass for success. Our professional setup ensures that it is easy to play and sounds great. Your first double bass doesn’t have to cost hundreds of thousands - but it does need to be professionally set up to ensure you're starting your musical journey on the right foot. Renting is also a great option if you’re not sure about whether you or your child will enjoy the double bass - you might find yourself playing viola or cello instead! Read our guide to renting versus buying. If you’re an adult learner, you may only want to buy an instrument once, and buy well. If your budget allows for this, it is a great place for starting and continuing to develop your musical skills. For this, we recommend browsing our intermediate and advanced level double basses. This level will mean you have an excellent double bass that helps with your development, as it produces a lovely, clear tone and is very easy to work with. Read our double bass price guide - and what to expect in every range. If you want to buy, but don’t want to splash out just yet, we recommend purchasing a good quality beginner instrument and upgrading the strings. Many beginner instruments will be fitted with basic steel strings from the manufacturers. Our advice is to upgrade the strings from the start: this will make learning easier, as the sound you produce will immediately be more enjoyable and rewarding. What double bass size do I need? In selecting a double bass, we need to check which size you need. Children require the correct size or their development can be impacted. Usually we would expect a child to start on 1/8 for two years, then 1/4 for another two or three years, 1/2 for two or three, then somewhere between 13 and 15 year olds, they would move to 3/4. Most “full size” double basses that you see, especially in orchestral settings, are actually 3/4 size! Adults mostly play on 3/4 double basses, unless their hands are much larger. Then they might use a 7/8 or even an actual 4/4, but most “gigging” bassists would use 3/4 for convenience. Larger sizes are more the requirements of a very strong bassist with big hands working in a symphony orchestra. View our size guide to measure yourself or your child at home, or drop in to Simply for Strings to be assisted by one of our bass-playing staff. Getting lessons as an adult There are lots of resources available when it comes to actually starting to play your new double bass. There are plenty of resources on YouTube and other platforms that can help you to get started by yourself if necessary. Some of the beginner method books on the market also link in with Smart music, an interactive practice software that helps you learn and keeps you on track. However, a very important part of learning a stringed instrument is technique, including posture. Online resources can tell you if you’re in tune and in time, but at some point soon you will need expert eyes to watch you and give this important advice. Incorrect posture or technique can cause ongoing difficulties with intonation, but they can also create physical injury over time, causing both your body and your bank account considerable pain. We do recommend visiting a double bass teacher as you start off, to ensure your posture is correct and not causing you any pain. Learn more about what to expect when you re-start your musical journey as an adult. If you’re looking for lessons for your child, there are local music schools in most suburbs. The majority of these will have string teachers who specialise in playing and teaching the double bass. If you’re local to Simply for Strings, and don’t know where to start, pop in and let us help - we have a database of teachers whom we know and can recommend. You may find lessons at a local music school, your teacher’s home studio, at your home or online lessons. Learning how to read music If you are an adult beginner, you may know how to read a little bit of music already. If your child is about to start music lessons, they may not know - and that’s okay! If your child is learning at school, the teacher will be following a carefully planned roster of work that allows the students to learn without “gaps”. Some of the main beginner tutor books introduce you systematically to the theory aspect of music, teaching note reading from the very start, then reinforcing each new note or concept in the next few pieces you will learn. If you are hoping to learn as much as possible on your own, these books will help best.  It may also be helpful to start working through an introductory theory book. Be aware that general theory books will teach treble clef first. Here are some theory books designed for beginning double bass: Basic Music Theory and History for Strings Book 1 Double Bass All for Strings Theory Double Bass Book 1 Shop theory books. If using a method book by yourself, avoid the temptation to look for the songs you like. Method books are designed for practical, sequential learning. Work through the book systematically, reading everything, playing everything, doing every activity the book asks of you. This may seem slower and “boring” but will ensure you learn everything you need to set yourself up for success. As stated earlier, some books have online practice resources. Use them: they actually help! Likewise with your teacher: if you feel they are teaching you too slowly, holding you back, or not teaching you enough fun material further through the book, please have patience! They are doing this for a good reason. We have to give you solid foundations. Otherwise you will be making all sorts of mistakes that you're not aware of, and when you play with others it can become a frustration for you and them. Shop beginner method books for double bass. Below are some of our top sheet music recommendations - browse our website for more, or pop into the Old Church to browse in person. Suzuki Double Bass School Volume 1 with CD Vance, Progressive Repertoire for Double Bass Volume 1 Easy Pop Melodies for Double Bass Maintaining your double bass as a beginner Just like your car, your double bass needs regular servicing to ensure it runs smoothly. We recommend getting into good cleaning habits from the get-go. Here are some quick tips: Clean your double bass every time you play. Wipe the strings, fingerboard and body clean of fingerprints and oil from your skin, and to restrict the chance of rosin dust building up on either the strings or the body. Your bow should always be stored without tension. One way to tell if it has a good tension when you’re ready to play, is to draw the bow across your strings at about mezzoforte (just moderately loud). If the stick is dragging on the strings, instead of just the hair touching them, then it needs to be tightened more.  You never want the stick to be fully straightened, or curved outwards. Sometimes the bow hair can stretch due to weather, and if it stretches too far you may need to replace the bow (or rehair it if it is of a price value that justifies rehairing). In times of weather change, atmospheric pressure variation, extra humidity or extreme dryness, your double bass and bow will change and perform differently. Always try to keep your double bass and bow in a safe place to avoid unnecessary temperature changes. Read our ultimate care and maintenance guide. What double bass accessories do I need to buy? Some great accessories to help you get started are: Rock stop (essential) Metronome Tuner Rosin (essential) Music stand (essential) Cleaning cloth (essential) Violin polish - should be used monthly to replenish the timber Double bass humidifier, a must-have in dry weather A double bass stand can be very helpful, because when it’s left out we more frequently pick it up! Also, since it is so big, storing it on the stand can be a great space saver at home. However, in times of changing weather you should store the instrument in its case as a buffer against sudden changes. The Tailpiece (Some extra tips) When you practise, the best policy is to work through each item (scale, exercise, song, piece) until you make no mistakes. Then play it three (3) times in a row without obvious error. If you make a mistake on the third time you’re back to 0. Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent, and that’s why we do it. We want to train best habits in and weed errors out. Only perfect practice makes perfect: otherwise we are simply training to ensure we keep making the same mistake. When playing your bass, you would normally be seated on a stool with your right foot flat on the floor and your left foot resting on a rung of the stool to give support to the bass; your torso (upper body) needs to be straight, upright and facing forward. Don’t bend to the instrument: make it fit you. Keep your back straight and your core engaged. Many bassists can develop back pain due to weak posture. Shoulders should be relaxed, not raised in tension. We hope this guide has answered your questions. Our friendly team is always ready to help you start your musical journey. Give us a ring on 07 3368 3666, or visit our beautiful Red Hill store.

Double Basses come in all shapes, sizes, colours - and prices. But how do you really know what you should be getting for your budgeted price range? This guide will give you a general overview of the standards for double basses within each price range and offers a good starting point for finding a double bass that best suits your needs. Every double bass is different, and you should ideally look for the best value-for-money instrument placed within your budget. If you’re brand new to double bass, we have lots of resources to help you get started, right here on our blog. We’d recommend having a read of our size guide to see which size may suit you best. We offer double basses in all the different sizes and prices to ensure you can find the perfect fit. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to buy yet, why not try a rental double bass before committing to a purchase? At Simply for Strings, we also offer competitively priced short term and long term double bass rentals. Learn more about our rental double basses. $2000-$4000 Double Bass Price Range These instruments are a fantastic way to start your musical journey (especially if purchased from a reputable music store!) At this price, you’re looking at an entry-level or beginner instrument that is typically factory-made in China. The basic structure of these double basses will be well-made, but they come ‘out of the box’ with no adjustments. You should expect most instruments in this price range to be constructed using a combination of ply, laminate and solid tonewoods like maple and spruce. Plywood and laminated materials ensure affordability with a warm, open tone. On the higher end of this price range, you should be looking for an instrument constructed using mostly solid timbers, which will offer the instrument a more mature, resonant tone. You should be looking for consistency in the grain, which helps produce a clearer tone. A professional set up service will be required to get things sounding and feeling just right. Learn more about why your string instrument set up is so important. At Simply for Strings, we go through a stringent quality assurance process whereby each and every single one of our double basses are not only hand-crafted but also hand-checked before they arrive at the hands of their new owners. With quality you can see, hear, and feel, and having refined the balance between quality, quality and performance, our double basses are timeless and designed to last a lifetime. So whether your budget is $2200 or much higher, we promise we can find your perfect match. At Simply for Strings, we include a professional set up on all our instruments at no extra cost. We also have an on-site workshop where you can book your new double bass in for a service by a professional luthier. We welcome set ups and repairs, no matter where you originally purchased your double bass from. For instruments in this price range, it is also important that individual parts are included or upgraded. Bridge & soundpost - these parts of the double bass must be included, as they are crucial for creating sound. If they have been fitted correctly, you’ll get a clear tone from the instrument. Strings - strings should be included with any double bass purchase, but we recommend upgrading the strings on beginner double basses to complement the instrument and give it a better tone. Bow - not all accessories are of the same quality, and since a bow is essential to playing the double bass, make sure your new double bass is supplied with a wooden or carbon graphite bow that will help you create a better sound. Case - a basic soft case should be included in beginner double bass outfits. Shop Beginner Double Basses online and in-store. $4000-$6000 Double Bass Price Range There is a shift in quality when you move to this price range. Double basses in this performance level should be crafted using tonewoods only, rather than a combination of ply and tonewoods. Therefore, you should expect a shift in tonal quality and resonance. These double basses are hand-finished and higher quality fittings are used, which further improves the quality of the instrument. The combination of workmanship and fittings gives these instruments a more round, resonant and vibrant tone. Instruments in this category are suited for beginners and intermediate players alike. If you’re an adult beginner, this level of double bass will reward your playing (and ears!) for years to come. Be on the lookout for: Upgraded strings - most double basses in this price range will include upgraded strings, which will help improve the tone of the instrument. Upgraded bow - some intermediate double basses in this price range will include a higher quality bow to complement the instrument. Bridge - the quality of the bridge of a higher quality - at least an Aubert or Despiau 1-tree or above. Shop Intermediate Double Basses online and in-store. $6000-$9000 Double Bass Price Range From here, you should expect to see a much higher level of workmanship and expertise going into the crafting of the instrument. All double basses in this price range should be hand-finished for finer detailing and overall, be more refined. A higher grade of timber is used to create these double basses, and more highly skilled labour is required - resulting in a higher quality of workmanship. You should be looking for a tighter consistency in the grain across the instrument, which helps the tone of the instrument. You should be looking for a very even grain across the top plate of the instrument. The grain is the natural alignment of fibres in the wood, and can produce a more visually pleasing aesthetic as well as improving the tone and resonance of the instrument. You’ll want to examine not only the grain across the top plate, but the flame of the grain on the back. Varnish is another consideration in this price range - many modern instruments nowadays are varnished with an antique finish. Be careful to ensure the varnish is of a high quality and isn’t inconsistent in any areas. In this price range, you’ll generally have to purchase a bow and case separately. It’s generally expected that you’ll have your own preferences for the bow and case, but you can always ask for recommendations from our friendly team of passionate musicians. Browse our Double Bass Bows online or in-store today. Please note, we only display a small range of basses at the higher levels. If interested in other brand/model options, please enquire with us. We can also plan and quote customised setups Shop Advanced Double Basses online and in-store. $10,000 and above Double Bass Price Range From here, you should expect to see a much higher level again of workmanship and expertise going into the crafting of the instrument. Double Basses in this price range will be constructed using aged tonewoods, which will increase the resonance and vibrancy of the instrument. When selecting a double bass in this price range, you should expect to see professional fittings fitted across the board - an upgraded bridge, professional strings, upgraded tailpiece and high-quality machine heads. You should also consider adding an extension E string to a double bass of this calibre to aid in your orchestral playing.  We only display a small range of basses at the higher levels. If interested in other brand/model options, please enquire with us. We can also plan and quote customised setups. Stringed instruments are an investment - in your craft, in your creativity and in your passion. So we know that, whether you’re a first-time student or a lifelong enthusiast, hobbyist or professional, we want to make sure you’ve found the perfect fit. At Simply for Strings, we offer a happiness guarantee on every double bass we sell - free return within 30 days of purchase. No questions asked. No fees to be paid. Why? Because finding the right instrument is a bit like finding your soulmate - it can take some time, but when you find the one, life will never be the same. Of course, choosing a double bass that suits you and your performance needs doesn’t have to be a decision you make all on your own. Here at Simply for Strings, our friendly team consists entirely of musicians who understand the nuances of each different double bass we offer. We can guide you personally through our range, demonstrate double basses for you and help you find your perfect match. Whether it’s over the phone, email or in person, we’d love to hear from you. At Simply for Strings, we offer flexible payment options such as ZipMoney and Afterpay so you can pay off your investment interest-free*. Get in touch with us today to start your double bass journey.

This guide is intended to give you a rough idea of the size of instrument you or your child will require. Please note that this is a rough guide only. For best results, you should consult with our string experts or your teacher before purchasing or renting. One of the most important tasks we find ourselves undertaking at Simply for Strings is to size a student for their instrument. Whilst we always check sizing when you purchase an instrument, it is also important to talk to your teacher first about their thoughts on the appropriate size instrument. It is important to remember that we always err on the side of caution when it comes to instrument sizing. Unlike clothes, you cannot ‘grow into’ an instrument. If the instrument is too large then you will find yourself in severe pain when practising or performing. This often leads to a decrease in practice (and interest), which inevitably leads to the player choosing to forgo learning an instrument. Play pain-free and start with the right size violin, viola, cello or double bass from Simply for Strings. Measuring Guide for Violin & Viola Measure in centimeters from the neck to the middle of the palm. Directions for Measuring: With the player’s arm fully extended and parallel to the floor, measure in centimetres from the neck to the middle of the palm. Violin Size Guide 1/16 35 - 38 CM 3 - 4 YRS 1/10 39 - 42 CM 4 - 5 YRS 1/8 43 - 46 CM 5 - 6 YRS 1/4 47 - 51 CM 6 -7 YRS 1/2 52 - 56 CM 7 - 8 YRS 3/4 57 - 60 CM 9 - 11 YRS 4/4 > 60 CM 11 - 13+ YRS   Shop our extensive range of beginner to advanced violins. Viola Size Guide 12" 53 - 55 CM 13" 55 - 59 CM 14" 59 - 63 CM 15" 63 - 65 CM 15" 1/2 65 - 67 CM 16" >67 CM   Shop our extensive range of beginner to advanced violas. Measuring Guide for Cellos Directions for Measuring: Sizing cellos is slightly more complicated than sizing violins and violas. The student should be seated at the edge of a chair such that the knees are bent at a ninety-degree angle (feet flat on the floor). The upper edge (back of cello near where the neck joins the body) of the instrument should rest in the centre of the chest (on the sternum) and the C peg should be slightly behind the left ear. The knees should lightly grip the lower bouts ensuring that the corners do not dig into the side of legs. (Corners should be slightly above the inside of the knees). The student should be able to reach both ends of the fingerboard with ease. The chart below shows approximate sizing by age. Note: 7/8 size cellos are available as well. This can be a useful transitional size or a more comfortable option for those players who prefer a slightly smaller instrument. Cello Size Guide 1/10 4 - 5 YRS 1/8 5 - 6 YRS 1/4 6 - 8 YRS 1/2 8 - 10 YRS 3/4 10 - 12 YRS 4/4 12 - 13+ YRS   Shop our extensive range of beginner to advanced cellos. Measuring Guide for Double Bassists Directions for Measuring: The 3/4 size double bass is the standard size for adults. 7/8 size basses and 4/4 sizes basses are made but they are less commonly used. As a rough guideline, when both the bass and the player are standing upright, the bridge should be approximately at the same height as the large knuckles of the student's right hand. The most important issue is that the instrument is comfortable and that the student can reach the higher registers of the fingerboard without difficulty.The chart below shows approximate sizing by age. 1/16 3 - 4 YRS 1/10 4 - 5 YRS 1/8 5 - 7 YRS 1/4 7 - 9 YRS 1/2 9 - 13 YRS 3/4 13+ YRS Shop our extensive range of beginner to advanced double basses. Need extra assistance? No problem! Contact our string experts today.

Are you locked away at home with plenty of time on your hands, on holidays with little to do, or isolated for other reasons? Learning the double bass at home can be a great way to pass the time; it’s also healthy for your brain and your soul. Here are some tips to help make the process enjoyable and effective. First things first - you’re going to need a double bass! Here at Simply for Strings we offer new, second hand and rental options. Read our guide to buying vs renting, or check out our double bass price guide, so you get a better idea of what to expect in every price. In order to have an enjoyable learning experience, you’ll need to purchase or rent a double bass that has been professionally set up by a trained violin maker, with a correctly carved bridge and good string height to ensure ease of playing. Learn more about the Simply for Strings Professional Set Up here. If you have purchased a beginner double bass, we do recommend upgrading the strings if your budget allows. Most beginner models have very basic strings: fitting a slightly higher grade string set will open up the potential of your instrument to give a more pleasing tone and better response, making the learning process much more enjoyable and rewarding. A poorly set-up double bass with lower-grade strings can be difficult to play and tune. Rosin Rosin is made from resin - yes, that’s right! Sap extracted from fir trees, melted down, purified and some extra special ingredients specially formulated for you to rub on the hair of your bow. Learn how to use rosin here. It makes the bow hair sticky enough to create a lovely sound when you pull it across the strings. Without rosin the bow will make no sound. There are many different styles of rosin and many secret recipes. Read our ultimate guide to rosin. Shop Double Bass Rosin with fast delivery Australia wide. For beginner bassists, we recommend the Nyman and Pop brands, but there are plenty of other great options available. Bow Your bow needs to be in good working order, which means plenty of hair, in a nice straight “ribbon”; a good curve to the stick when unwound; and when you tighten it to a reasonable tension, the distance between the middle of the stick’s curve from the tightened hair should be approximately the diameter of the tip of your index finger. If the bow has lost its spring or the hair is loose and uneven, it would be advisable to invest in a new bow. Shop Double Bass Bows with fast and free delivery Australia wide. Tuner and Metronome It’s obviously a lot easier to practice your new cello when it’s in tune! Tuning is a skill that takes years for players to develop, but we have a few helpful tips in our post all about it! An electronic tuner is a good investment, as it can help you keep your instrument in tune between lessons. Likewise, a metronome is very helpful when practising, to teach you about playing in time and keeping a good beat. Shop Metronomes and Tuners. Music Stand For correct posture (preventing sore back, damage to spine and neck, and to make sure you can play properly in tune) you need to be sitting upright on a suitable stool, with your right foot flat on the floor and your left foot on a rung of the stool to support the bass; looking straight ahead, not craning your neck down to look on a table. Depending on the lighting in your room, you may need to consider a music stand light. We use the Aroma Music Stand Light, which also acts as a clip to hold the pages open. Shop Music Stands. Endpin Stopper/Rock Stop If you are playing on a carpeted floor the spike of your endpin should grip the carpet nicely; if your floor is timber or tiled, you may find the cello hard to keep in position. You will find a “rock stop” or more correctly, endpin stop, invaluable. Shop Endpin Stoppers. Practice mute If you are in an apartment, or have a baby needing lots of uninterrupted sleep, you may wish to use a practice mute. These reduce the sound substantially and make it kinder for those around us. There are three types to choose: rubber, metal and rubber-coated metal. Read our guide to mutes. Shop Mutes. Starting Lessons If you have a child learning at school there will be a tutor book already selected. These are a great place to start, and some have excellent instructions included on the pages. Some are more particularly designed for a teacher to use his or her own teaching style and simply have a good selection of educationally sound progressive music, with the teacher expected to give the information in other ways. If you are hoping to learn on your own or with minimal guidance, we suggest choosing books with plenty of explanations and diagrams on the page. These include but are not limited to: Essential Elements, String Basics, and Sound Innovations. Shop Double Bass Beginner Method Books. If you are seeking to do most of your learning at home, many of the method books also have CDs included or access to online accompaniments, and some even include free access to the Smart Music interactive practice software. Online lessons Many teachers are now offering online lessons. You just need an internet connection, a tablet or computer with speakers and built-in microphone, and you can set up easily. Your teacher will help guide you through positioning your computer so they can see your posture. We hope this guide has been helpful for those looking to start learning the double bass at home! If you have any questions, or just want to have a chat about all things bass, give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to help you get started on your very own musical journey! Video calls are also available now.