Hey Mike,

It is sometimes known as a double bass because of the standard 4 string
tuning with E @ ~40Hz being one octave lower than the cello  It is not
related to it's physical size.

I generally just call mine an Upright Bass or String Bass to indicate that I
am not talking about bass guitar...

Hope that helps.
Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
'72 Riviera
http://www.geocities.com/vwcamper72

Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:10:23 -0700

From: Mike Miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>

Subject: NVC double bass question

I was emailing with someone on the list who made string instruments and I

forgot to ask the primary question:

How come a stand up bass is called a double bass?

Mike