Double Bass
The
lowest pitched member of the bowed dulcimer family. This instrument
came about at the urging of Gail West who kept wanting an instrument
that played lower and lower in pitch. It is tuned one octave below the
Octave Violin. The low G is the same pitch as the lowest G on a string
bass. To achieve the best sound, this instrument has Novax frets, which
means they are on a slant. the high string is 25" long. The low
string is 26 5/8" long. This extra length on the lower two strings gives
the tone more solidity and presence. This idea has been used with great
success on eight string guitars and other extended range instruments.
It is still comfortable to play. The left hand doesn't really notice the
difference. The internal structure of the double bass has
features that my other instruments don't such as a laminated bass bar,
needed both for sound and extra strength. If you like playing below
everyone else, this is the bowed dulcimer for you. $1500.00