Double Bass Orchestral tuning

[Andy Mopley]

Is A= 440 Hz the standard, default tuning for most orchestras? Speaking to a fellow DB player last night, at his first rehershal, he asked if the orchestra tuned to this or to 445 Hz or other. Would you normally ask this question? Who decides anyway, the conductor, the music, both?
BTW, we play to A=440 Hz.

Thanks for reading!

 

[PaulCannon]

There isn't really a standard any more. Most professional orchestras have an official pitch, but in reality it's whatever the oboe gives you.

Most American orchestras I've played with were somewhere between 440 and 442. My group, along with most of Germany, is at 443. Early music bands tend to have the widest range, anywhere from 415 to 445, generally depending on the repertoire.

 

[bejoyous]

Yes, tune to 440 and adjust if needed.