Actually the cello's lowest note on it's lowest string is a low C 2nd
ledger line below the bass clef staff.

There are basses with "extensions" (used in orchestras mainly) that
enable to bass to get down to a Db or possibly C (a major 7th or full
octave) below the cello.

And maybe it's called "stand up" because it, and the player, have to
stand up to play it?

;^)

Neil (who is barely able to play the *worst* walking blues bass line
on the stand up bass ....... in E only! )

On Fri, May 23, 2008 at 3:07 PM, Jay Brown <badkarma@ttlc.net> wrote:
> 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
>

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Jetta-fied Westfalia - "Jaco"

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