At an affordable price, the best double bass stand will provide stable support for your bass. It will also accommodate any travel requirements as well as the size of bass you use. Double bass stands are available from online retailers and brick-and-mortar music stores, and you might be able to get one from an instrument repairman who specializes in basses or stringed instruments.
There are a variety of double bass stands available, but the best combine two characteristics: flexibility and portability. The stand’s flexibility refers to its ability to accommodate a wide range of bass sizes and styles, usually through the use of adjustable neck and body supports. A portable stand will be light and foldable, making it easy to store in tight spaces and take with you when you travel.
All types of basses can be accommodated by the best double bass stands, which have adjustable neck and body supports. The shape of the bass body and the length of the neck are not universal, even though basses come in standard sizes of three-quarters, seven-eighths, and full. As a result, the stand should be sufficiently adjustable to accommodate your particular bass. Protective foam or rubber coverings should be applied to the supports so that the metal of the stand does not scratch the bass’s wood or varnish.
A very long end pin is frequently used by tall musicians or musicians who play baby basses. Because not all bass stands are designed to accommodate the long end pin, double-check the stand with your bass before using it. The end pin should not need to be adjusted to fit the bass stand. If you had to do this every time you used the stand, it would be tedious and time consuming, negating the stand’s convenience entirely.
A wheeled stand is the best option for musicians who frequently transport their basses over long distances. A wheeled double bass stand, while not the most compact, has the advantage of being able to transport the bass without having to lift it. The bass is rolled and strapped to the stand. A wheeled double bass stand reduces physical strain and travel time for bassists who use public transportation or play in areas where automobile traffic is prohibited.
A bow hook is another useful feature to have on a double bass stand if you use a bow frequently. When the bow is not in use, you can hang it from the stand. Nonetheless, many bass players, particularly classical players, switch between bow and pizzicato techniques throughout songs, making a bow hook obsolete. These musicians instead use a quiver, which is a long pouch attached to the bass’s tailpiece.
A good bass stand is an investment that should be made only once. Buy the best stand you can afford, and stay away from cheap and poorly made items. If you’re on a tight budget, look for a used bass stand on online auction sites or in classified ads in music magazines and websites. Make sure the seller has a return policy and that he provides multiple pictures of the stand to ensure that it is fully functional and not damaged.