The double bass or simply the bass (and numerous other names) is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. It is a transposing instrument and is ...

It is hard to imagine the double bass — the lowest-pitched member of the violin family that resembles a string instrument on steroids — setting the tone for the Sufi song ‘Dama dam mast kalandar’, but ...

ZZ Top's Elwood Francis has become a key part of the band's live lineup, but he has one major regret about his performances. That would be having introduced the gigantic bright yellow 17-string bass ...

Composers have been writing music for the group of instruments we call an orchestra for the last four centuries. Endlessly adaptable and always evolving, an orchestra can be made up of 20 players or ...

While guitar players and singers might hog the limelight, we know as bassists that it would all fall apart if it weren’t for us, right? That’s why it’s crucial that we’re armed with one of the best ...

When a traditional bass doesn’t have enough low end to serve the music you’re playing, then you might want to explore some of the best 5-string bass guitars instead. Having an extra low string gives ...

ZZ Top bassist Elwood Francis has now explained why he whipped out a massive 17-string bass guitar onstage with the long-running classic rock band last week. Francis, formerly a stage technician for ...

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. When it comes time to replace your strings, there are two ...