|
Quantity
|
Cost
|
||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
Double Bass Tailpieces — Wittner, New Ulm, Fishman
The double bass tailpiece holds the strings of the largest bowed instrument. Unlike violin and cello, bass tailpieces rarely feature fine tuners — the mechanical tuning machines provide sufficient precision. The SoundsGood catalog features tailpieces for all bass sizes: classic ebony, composite Wittner, and models with built-in pickups for jazz.
All Sizes — 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4
Top Brands — Wittner, New Ulm, Fishman
With Pickup — for jazz & live performance
Free Shipping — orders over ₴4,000
🎻 Types of Double Bass Tailpieces
Bass tailpieces differ by material, pickup integration, and string count (4 or 5). Key feature: fine tuners are rarely used.
🏆 Classic Ebony
Traditional choice for orchestral bassists.
- Material: ebony (blackwood)
- Weight: ~100-120g
- Best for: classical, symphony orchestras
- Feature: traditional warm sound
🎶 Wittner Ultra (Composite)
Modern reliable option.
- Material: high-tech composite
- Weight: ~80-90g
- Options: with fine tuners and without
- Advantages: light, stable, affordable
🎤 With Pickup
For amplification at concerts and jazz gigs.
- Brands: Fishman, Realist, Shadow
- Type: piezo pickup
- Best for: jazz, rockabilly, live
- Output: 1/4" jack
🎹 5-String
For basses with additional low string.
- Feature: 5 string holes
- Additional string: Low B or Low C
- Best for: orchestral players, soloists
- Availability: limited selection
📏 Double Bass Tailpiece Sizes
Double basses come in various sizes. 3/4 is the most popular size for adult players.
| Bass Size | Tailpiece Length | For Whom | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 (full) | ~310-320mm | Tall players, orchestras | Rare |
| 3/4 (standard) | ~290-300mm | Most adults | ★★★★★ |
| 1/2 | ~265-270mm | Teens, shorter adults | ★★ |
| 1/4 | ~230-240mm | Children 10-13 | ★ |
| 1/8 | ~200-210mm | Children 8-10 | Rare |
💡 Why 3/4? Even professional bassists typically play 3/4 size instruments. Full-size 4/4 is too large for most players and rarely used.
After-length for Double Bass
Optimal distance from bridge to tailpiece:
- 3/4: ~200-210mm (approximately 1/6 of playing length ~1050mm)
- 4/4: ~220-230mm
- 1/2: ~180-190mm
🌳 Materials
Tailpiece material is less critical for bass sound than for violin due to the instrument's mass. But it still affects resonance.
| Material | Weight | Sound | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ebony | ~100-120g | Traditional, warm | Classical, orchestras |
| Wittner Composite | ~80-90g | Open, modern | Universal |
| Rosewood | ~90-110g | Warm, soft | Classical |
| Aluminum | ~60-70g | Bright, clear | Jazz, rockabilly |
| Carbon Fiber | ~50-60g | Open, projecting | Contemporary music |
Double Bass Tailpiece Weight
On double bass, tailpiece weight difference is less noticeable due to instrument size:
- Ebony: ~100-120g
- Wittner: ~80-90g
- The ~30g difference is barely noticeable on a 20kg instrument
💡 Tip: For double bass, proper after-length and tailgut quality matter more than minimal tailpiece weight.
🎤 Tailpieces with Pickup
For jazz, rockabilly, and live performances, tailpieces with built-in piezo pickups are popular.
🏆 Fishman Full Circle
Professional pickup in the tailpiece wheel.
- Type: piezo in adjustment wheel
- Sound: natural, balanced
- Feature: no instrument modification needed
- Price: premium segment
🎶 Realist
Popular pickup under the bridge foot.
- Type: piezo under bridge
- Sound: acoustic, woody
- Installation: simple, no modifications
- Compatibility: any tailpiece
🎹 Shadow SH-951
Affordable option with pickup.
- Type: piezo in tailpiece
- Sound: bright, clear
- Price: mid-range
- Best for: jazz beginners
When Do You Need a Pickup?
- Jazz — playing with rhythm section requires amplification
- Rockabilly — slap bass needs volume
- Live concerts — large venues, festivals
- Recording — studio work
🏆 Double Bass Tailpiece Brands
🇩🇪 Wittner (Germany)
Leader in composite tailpieces.
- Ultra: light, reliable
- Options: with fine tuners and without
- Sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2
- Advantages: stability, affordability
🇩🇪 Thomastik / New Ulm
Traditional quality tailpieces.
- Material: premium ebony
- Quality: handcrafted
- Best for: orchestras, conservatories
- Feature: classic design
🇺🇸 Fishman (USA)
Professional pickups.
- Full Circle: top pickup
- BP-100: budget option
- Best for: jazz, live
- Reputation: industry standard
🇩🇪 GEWA / Teller
Reliable wooden tailpieces.
- Material: ebony, rosewood
- Quality: German reliability
- Price: mid-range
- Best for: students, amateurs
🎯 How to Choose a Double Bass Tailpiece?
Step 1: Determine Bass Size
Most adults play 3/4. Full-size 4/4 is rare.
Step 2: Identify Your Music Style
| Style | Recommendation | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Classical, orchestra | Ebony (New Ulm, GEWA) | 1500-5000 UAH |
| Student | Wittner Ultra or basic ebony | 800-2500 UAH |
| Jazz (acoustic) | Wittner or quality ebony | 2000-3500 UAH |
| Jazz (amplified) | Fishman Full Circle | from 8000 UAH |
| Rockabilly | Tailpiece + Realist/Shadow | from 5000 UAH |
Step 3: Need a Pickup?
- Acoustic only: regular tailpiece
- Jazz/live: with pickup or separate pickup
- Rockabilly: definitely with pickup
💡 Tip: If you plan to amplify — better to get a tailpiece with pickup (Fishman) or quality tailpiece + separate pickup (Realist) from the start. It's cheaper than changing later.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose double bass tailpiece size?
Tailpiece size = bass size. For most adults, that's 3/4 (~290-300mm).
Do I need fine tuners on double bass?
Usually no. Bass tuning machines are precise enough. Some add 1 fine tuner for G string.
Why do most players use 3/4, not 4/4?
Full-size 4/4 is too large for comfortable playing. 3/4 is the standard for professionals.
Which tailpiece is best for jazz?
For acoustic jazz — Wittner or ebony. For amplified — Fishman Full Circle or separate pickup.
What is after-length for double bass?
Distance from bridge to tailpiece. For 3/4, optimal is ~200-210mm.
Fishman or Realist — which is better?
Fishman Full Circle — in tailpiece, more natural sound. Realist — under bridge, cheaper, more "woody".
Can I replace the tailpiece myself?
Technically yes, but after-length must be set correctly. For expensive instruments — consult a luthier.
How much does a double bass tailpiece cost?
Basic: 800-1500 UAH. Wittner: 2000-3000 UAH. Quality ebony: 2500-5000 UAH. With pickup: from 8000 UAH.
🎯 Why Choose SoundsGood?
🛠 Authentic Products
Official distributor of Wittner, Fishman in Ukraine.
🎓 Selection Help
We'll help you choose a tailpiece for your bass and style. Free!
📦 Fast Shipping
Same-day dispatch. Free for orders over ₴4,000.
💰 Great Prices
Direct imports. Pay in installments via PrivatBank, monobank.
📞 Contact Us
🌏 Showroom: 15 Olzhycha St., Kyiv, 04116, Ukraine
📞 Phone:
- Kyiv: +380 (73) 060-01-01
- Lviv: +380 (97) 667-14-43
📧 Email: info@soundsgood.kiev.ua
🕑 Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:00–18:00