THE BASS WITH MANY NAMES.

A brief history of the double-bass.

Although its origins are debated, most hold to belief that the upright bass stems from the viola de gamba – a 15th century family of bowed string instruments not to be confused with the much younger viola. The name literally means “viol for the leg” in Italian, so one can assume that the intent was a viol-like instrument to be played on the leg as opposed to under the chin.

The earliest illustration dates back to 1516, but written accounts suggest even earlier instances. While the modern-day iteration of the instrument almost exclusively features four strings, the early instruments could have as much as up to six. Records also suggest that there were as many as up to 50 different tunings in use before the classic E-A-D-G method was adapted, which wasn’t until the early 20th century.

To sum up: Logically, a double-bass should have its counterpart in a single-bass – but it doesn’t. The name rather underlines the fact that its tone sounds two octaves below the middle C. But even that is up for debate. Some claim that the ‘double’ simply solidifies the fact that it was meant to double the violoncello in an orchestra. That too is up for debate, though.

Regardless of what we call it, where it originally comes from or whatever else that may be up for debate, any music lover would likely attest to the fact that this iconic bass with many names has etched its undeniable imprint in music as we know it.