Double Bass Size Guide

Here at the Luthier Shop, we primarily focus on violins, violas and cellos, but we do have some double basses available. There are shops that specialize in double basses. When purchasing an instrument, these shops will have a much better selection of basses from which to choose.

The standard size for adults is a ¾ double bass. A large double bass such as a ⅞ or 4/4 is very rare and not commonly used unless the person is very tall, 6.5’ + in height or they have unusually large hands.

A general rule for children is to choose a bass one size smaller than usual violin size for age. A smaller bass will have a shorter string length. So if the child’s hand is small, a smaller size bass would be a better fit. A smaller instrument is MUCH easier to play because of the shorter string length. A shorter string length (the measurement of the strings from the bridge to the nut) means the fingers do not have to spread as far to place the fingers on the strings for each note when playing. Bass and cello players can develop physical problems in the hand and arm from playing instruments that that have string lengths too long for the player to play comfortably. So a smaller bass is probably better for most players.

Approximate sizing for age:

Size of Double Bass Age of Child

1/8 5-7 years

1/4 7-9 years

1/2 9-13 years

3/4 13 years to adult

Other adjustments and considerations for deciding on double bass size.

Adjust the length of the end pin rod so that the bridge is at the same level as the large knuckles while the arm hangs down.
Your right arm should now be able to bow comfortably with the bow at the appropriate position midway between the bridge and the fingerboard. If you are bowing above the fingerboard, try a bass one size down. If you feel more comfortable bowing very close to the bridge, try a bass one size up.
The left hand should be about level with your face when in first position. Your index finger should approximately point towards your eyebrow.
A ½ size bass is usually good for players up to around 12 years of age. (150cm)

Bass sizing is not an exact science. Rule #1: There Are No Rules. The Double Bass (a.k.a. Upright Bass) is an instrument that only recently evolved over the last few hundred years, that is still being changed and developed by individuals who build them to satisfy their own interpretation of the instrument. There are quite a lot of variances in sizing and design. But there are some commonalities that many basses share, so we have this information here. Just be aware that double basses vary quite a bit, so your need for an instrument may not fall in general sizing categories -- and that's nothing to worry about.

3/4 size is recognized as a regular size bass. 99.5% of the basses are 3/4 size. But you will find that 3/4 size is by far most common bass size. A 4/4 or full size bass is really considered more of a "jumbo" or "XXL" bass - and mostly they are used in orchestras and by very tall people. Many times they are used where acoustic volume is very important, and the extra depth can be advantageous for those using E-string extensions for extra low notes (usually down to low C or B). https://doublebassblog.org/2019/09/understanding-double-bass-extensions.html

There are also double basses that have 5 strings with a low C to make it easier for the player to play notes lower than the low E.

Useful Measurements for Double Bass Sizes

Instrument Size 4/4 3/4 3/4 Kay 1/2 1/4

A Full Height bottom of 74.8” 71.6” 71.6” 65.7” 61.4”

body to scroll 190 cm 182 cm 182 cm 167 cm 156 cm

B Body Height bottom 45.7” 43.7” 43.7” 40.2” 37.4”

to shoulder 116 cm 111 cm 111 cm 102 cm 95 cm

C String Length nut 43.3” 41.3” 41.5” 38” 35.4”

to bridge 110 cm 105 cm 105.5 cm 96.5 cm 90 cm

D Upper Bout Width 21.3” 20.3” 20.25” 8.7” 17.3”

54 cm 51.5 cm 51.5 cm 47.5 cm 43 cm

E Lower Bout Width 26.8” 25.6” 26.5” 23.6 “ 21.9”

68 cm 65 cm 67.5 cm 60 cm 55.5 cm

F Scroll to Shoulder 29.1” 27.9” 28” 25.5” 24.0”

74 cm 71 cm 71.25 cm 64.75 cm 61 cm

G Width of Neck 1.8” 1.7” 1.6” 1.6” 1.5”

at Nut 4.5 cm 4.25 cm 4 cm 4 cm 3.8 cm

If you have any questions regarding basses or bass sizes, give us a call. We would be happy to help!