Double Bass size for children

[Bassina]

Hey all,

I am looking for some advice of what double bass sizes i shoud choose for a startup school. Intended is to teach 5 -8 students with ages between 8 and 13.

I wonder what is the size dsitribution you have seen in similar schools.

I was thinking of 2 1/4 and 1 1/2 size plywood bases or eventually the 1 1/4 and 2 1/2 bases ?

Thanks
Bassina

[KSB - Ken Smith]

My Son at 10 played a 3/4 Shen 41" string length and at 12 played a 7/8 model with a 42" string length.

At 8 I would try for a 38-40" string length 1/2 size Bass or 5/8 at the least. The smaller Basses often has a weak sound and can be difficult to set up properly.

Playability is the key. Softer strings are available now for beginners. If the Bass is set up well, they should be trained to have a proper left hand and play the positions correctly. Then make sure the Bow is decent or they will also develope bad technique there as well.