Double Bass Instruments Similar to the Bass

[colliningram]

In my recent attempts to feel cultured (often rather difficult in Wyoming) I've gotten the idea in head to start researching low frequency insturments from around the world. Particularly I'm interested in instruments similar to double bass. I've realized there is a wealth of knowledge pertaining to various offshoots of Guitar, Mandolin, and Banjo family instruments however I can't seem to find any info on insturments similar in construction to the double bass. At this point I'd be more than happy even to find some double bass styles that are more or less removed from western tradition.

If any of you have an idea where I could start I'd really appreciate hearing about it.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Use the Talk Bass Search function to look for berda, domra and mandobass - that'll get you started!

 

[longfinger]

well the other thread just below talks about a berda,

Berda

 

[ThumpPlunkJunk]

The Whamola!

Yes, it's real!

 

[punkozuna]

Here's a bass ukelele for sale on Seattle craigslist: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Also do a google search for basso guitar - Regal made a double bass sized acoustic guitar in the late 1930s. I've seen a couple for sale on eBay.

Check tubotonia.com for all things gutbucket and tea chest bass related.

Of course upright basses are called string basses to differentiate them them from brass basses -tubas, sousaphones, helicons and the like.

 

[colliningram]

Hey Thanks A Lot guys.

Does anybody have any ideas for a solo I could work on that would be outside the western tradition?

 

[Marcus Johnson]

Hey Thanks A Lot guys.

Does anybody have any ideas for a solo I could work on that would be outside the western tradition?

Play left handed.

 

[Tom Lane]

Not sure if they have a bass version, but I would expect so.

 

[longfinger]

Hey Thanks A Lot guys.

Does anybody have any ideas for a solo I could work on that would be outside the western tradition?

I just saw this...

YouTube - Sun Shines on Taxkorgan

Check out the bass of the "rhythm section" player. It has a cornerless shape, and "C" holes instead of "F" holes, and it does not have a scroll but rather some cup shape tip.

The cello is also different. You can see them both at 6:50.

I wonder if the insides of these two instruments are different for a standard double bass and cello.

 

[Skabasskid]

Chinese - shasimen. Awesome instrument :3

Edit: misspell, it's shamisen.

 

[Barron]

The Kora is a deep, rich, and fascinatingly beautiful instrument with a haunting sound.



Somewhere between a cello,a harp, an oud, and a doublebass.

 

[Pierce1026]

No idea what this is, but apparently it will "give an upright bass a run for its money".
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Jake deVilliers]

How about that - a bass kalimba!

 

[catty]

One of my favorite instruments is bass clarinet. It's capable of tremendous range and expression. Tried to post a photo of my Selmer series 9, but to no avail..