Using cello as double bass

[daveh]

Tried tuning down my cello in fourths to ADGC to use as a tiny double bass. Works OK, though would probably be more convincing with bass rather than cello strings. Surprisingly OK (through an amp) though. Used a violin mic on it here. 

 

Edited November 17, 2025 by daveh
Add video

[petebassist]

Went to see Sarah Jarosz a few years back at St Bonn's in Bristol and her bassist played a cello double-bass style, don't know how it was tuned though, but sounded great in the mix.

[Mottlefeeder]

Not sure what the tuning is, but it sounds good.

David

[PaulKing]

There ain't nothin new... Hoppy Jones, the Ink Spots

[Owen]

3 hours ago, daveh said:

Tried tuning down my cello in fourths to ADGC to use as a tiny double bass. Works OK, though would probably be more convincing with bass rather than cello strings. Surprisingly OK (through an amp) though. Used a violin mic on it here. att.Xcm38MaFsle0GjA9RZtvyu183pgDxOch70TQmGKiCJ8

I would be intersted to hear that. Sadly, the link does not guide me anywhere. Could you update?

 

[pete.young]

Thats how I got started, aged about 11. My father came home with a cello strung in 4ths and I took to it quite well. After about a year, it was replaced with a chamber bass, which I believe is half size? 

 

Ray Cooper from Oysterband played a cello tuned in 5ths and put down some great basslines with the help of an octave pedal and various other electronic trickery.

[Aalin]

Daveh

Do you use cello strings for ADGC ?

[NickA]

whereas some folk play a double bass tuned in fifths!

 

Before I acquired any basses, I used to try plucking bass lines on my 'cello ... inlcuding in a singing band at school that always got good applause.  Possibly due to the row of sweet 17 year old girlies in their tight white blouses and mini-skirts....but I reckon it was my bass-on-the-cello that was the clincher 🙂

 

TBH having acquired a bass (or few) I wouldn't bother playing anything but classical on my cello .. just feels odd somehow.  David Darling is worth a listen though (very ECM).

[alyctes]

I tried to play my old and very, very "roadworn" cello a few years ago... 

Had to tune it in fourths; I've been ruined by bass guitars, ruined I tell you...

[NickA]

11 hours ago, alyctes said:

Had to tune it in fourths

That is going to make most of the classical repertoire "rather difficult" 🤣

[alyctes]

4 hours ago, NickA said:

That is going to make most of the classical repertoire "rather difficult" 🤣

That's one word for it

[Marc S]

There was a discussion on here a few years back - someone posted a link to some strings that suited a Cello, being plucked and played like a bass.... I searched, but couldn't find it. 

 

I must admit, I'm tempted to try it, as a cello would be much easier to lug about. I really like the sound in that Dead South song... if the instrument in the video is what has actually been used in the song.

[JPJ]

There is always THIS bass/cello hybrid?