The best double bass stand will provide stable support for your bass at an affordable price. It will also meet any requirements relating to travel and the size of bass you use. You can find double bass stands through online retailers and brick and mortar music stores, and you may be able to purchase a double bass stand through an instrument repairman who specializes in basses or stringed instruments.
There are many different types of double bass stands, but the best combine a two features: flexibility and portability. Flexibility refers to the stand's ability to accommodate a variety of bass sizes and styles, often by means of adjustable neck and body supports. A portable stand will be lightweight and foldable, allowing for storage in small spaces and while traveling.
The best double bass stands have adjustable neck and body supports to accommodate all types of basses. Although basses come in standard sizes of three-quarters, seven-eighths, and full, the shape of the bass body and the length of the neck are not universal. Therefore, the stand should be sufficiently adjustable to fit your specific bass. The supports should have protective foam or rubber coverings so that the metal of the stand not does damage the wood or varnish on the bass.
Tall musicians or musicians who are playing baby basses, often use a very long end pin. Not all bass stands are made to accommodate the long end pin, so be sure to double check the stand with your bass. You should not have to adjust the end pin to fit the bass stand. To do so would be tiresome and time consuming if you had to do it every time you used the stand and would negate the convenience of the stand altogether.
For musicians who often carry their basses long distances, a wheeled stand is the best choice. Although it is not the most compact style, a wheeled double bass stand has the advantage of being able to transport the bass without lifting it. The bass is strapped to the stand and rolled. For bassists who use public transportation or play in areas that do not allow automobile traffic, a wheeled double bass stand reduces physical strain and travel time.
If you use a bow frequently, a bow hook is another useful feature to have on a double bass stand. It allows you to hang the bow from the stand while it is not in use. Even so, many bass players, especially classical players, find themselves switching between the bow and pizzicato techniques throughout songs, making a bow hook much less useful. Instead, these musicians use a quiver, which is a long pouch that is attached to the tailpiece of the bass.
A good bass stand is a one time purchase. Buy the highest quality stand you can afford, and avoid cheap and cheaply made products. If you are on a tight budget, search online auction sites or classified ads in music magazines and web sites to find a second hand bass stand. To ensure that the stand is fully functional and not damaged, make sure that the seller has a return policy and that he provides multiple pictures of the stand .