What makes a Double bass good for Jazz or Classical?

[Ken Smith]

For some, the modern Jazz sound is one with brightness and sustain on the lower notes but some level of mellowness in the sound so it isn't too harsh. This same set-up for Classical is not so good being that the Bow brings out all the edginess of the treble frequencies and not the Bass spread type sound that is wanted in an Orchestra.

For Orchestra/Bowing/Classical the deeper type/older sounding Basses are preferred especially when they sound darker rather than brighter. Some of the Basses in use that are of French or English origin may seem clear sounding under the ear but usually blend well. Some other Basses are very Organ like in tone on the bottom and sound great for an Orchestra but would be a bit too deep sounding for Jazz. Also, these better Basses are most often out of the reach financially of the average Jazz player so it is something they would seldom encounter.

There are a few jazz players that do prefer the darker orchestral tone for Jazz and do have a Bass that would work in either venue. Size wise, smaller 3/4 Basses with sloped shoulders is the average Bass in Jazz and 7/8ths or larger 3/4 Basses with broader shoulder/upper bouts is more commonly seen in the Orchestra.

Go to about 20 jazz gigs and note the 20 Basses in use. Then go to a few Orchestral concerts and note the Basses in use with the Symphonic player. Maybe try and play some of these Basses so you can experience the difference first hand. As always, experience is still the best teacher.