double bass

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double bass

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

double bass bowed stringed musical instrument, the contrabass of the modern orchestral string section. It originated as a double-bass viol , an instrument described as early as 1566. A true double-bass violin appeared during the 18th cent. but was rejected as unwieldy and of poor tonal quality. The present double bass is tuned in fourths and usually has a flat back and sloping shoulders but has never attained a definitive form. The bow, the last to give up its convex shape, was long held palm upward like the viol bow, but the violin style is now customary. Indispensable in the orchestra, it also has a place in the dance band and jazz.

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double bass

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | © World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

double bass Largest stringed instrument. It has four strings tuned in fourths (E-A-D-G) and sounds one octave below the musical notation. It resembles a large violin, but has sloping shoulders (it was originally a member of the viol family). The double bass is held vertically. A bow is generally used for classical music, but the strings are usually plucked in jazz.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

Free Article Eight violins, six violas, six cellos and three double basses wanted.
Newspaper article from: Evening Courier (Halifax, England); 10/10/2007
Free Article Solid acoustic/ portable double bass: Clevinger.(NEW PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS)
Magazine article from: Music Trades; 4/1/2007
Free Article Historia breve del bajo Laitno.(instrumento musical)(TT: A Brief History of the Latin Bass.)(TA: musical instrument)
Magazine article from: Latin Beat Magazine; 10/1/2000

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