Double Bass roundup
Double Bass: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a double bass is about size, setup and bow as much as the instrument itself — here is what to evaluate at every budget level.
Buying a double bass requires attention to size, setup, bow and strings. The instrument is large and the range of options wide — from student outfits under £500 to hand-crafted instruments at £20,000 and above. This guide covers what to evaluate at each budget level.
Sizes
Most adult players buy a 3/4 size, which is the effective standard for the instrument. Full size (4/4) exists but is physically demanding and rarely used outside specialist contexts. Smaller players and younger students sometimes use 1/2 or 5/8. Always confirm the size before buying — a 3/4 label from different makers can vary in actual body length. Try the instrument standing to confirm the nut reaches a comfortable position relative to your left shoulder.
Budget Tiers
Under £500: student outfits are adequate for testing the instrument. Build quality is variable; setup is often poor from the factory. Request a luthier setup before playing. £500–£1,500: the practical range for a genuinely playable student or early-intermediate instrument. Brands like Stentor, Eastman and Upton Hybrid offer solid options here. £1,500–£5,000: where tone and responsiveness improve significantly; carved tops become available in this range. Above £5,000: professional and hand-made instruments for serious study and performance.
New vs Secondhand
Used instruments at the £800–£2,000 level from a specialist dealer often outperform new instruments at the same price if they have been set up properly. Older carved-top instruments can be exceptional at relatively modest prices secondhand. Before buying used, have any instrument inspected by a luthier: check for open seams, repaired cracks, and bridge and soundpost condition. A well-maintained older instrument can be an excellent choice.
Setup Is Critical
A luthier setup — correct bridge height, nut action and soundpost position — transforms an instrument's playability. A student model with a professional setup outperforms a more expensive instrument left in factory condition. Budget £100–£150 for a setup when buying new. For jazz playing, a slightly lower action than the classical standard makes pizzicato easier and more comfortable over long periods.
Bow
A good bow dramatically affects tone and control. Carbon fibre bows (CodaBow, JonPaul, Arcus) in the £150–£300 range offer excellent response and durability. Pernambuco is the classical standard but expensive; Brazilwood is a reasonable intermediate option. German and French bow models differ in balance and grip — choose the style your teacher uses. A cheap bow that is poorly balanced reduces your ability to develop technique, so prioritise the bow as highly as the instrument itself.
For a full overview of the instrument, see the features guide. For beginners starting out, the beginner's guide covers first steps.
The Bottom Line
Buy the best instrument you can afford, have it set up by a luthier before playing, and spend as much on the bow as the budget allows. A properly set-up instrument in the £500–£1,000 range is a sound foundation for years of development.
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