Franz Hoffmann® Concert Double Bass

Franz Hoffmann® Concert Double Bass - Best-in-Class for Advancing Players

This is a premium beginner double bass for developing players seeking greater tonal complexity, projection, and responsive playability at an accessible step-up price point.

The Franz Hoffmann Concert Double Bass has for years been the most popular in the Franz Hoffmann line-up, and we agree! As a top-of-the-line step-up instrument, the Concert is designed for students whose developing technique and repertoire demand more from their instrument. Its hybrid construction pairs a solid, aged spruce top with laminated back and ribs, combining greater resonance, tonal depth, and projection with the strength and stability needed for regular student use.

Ideal for developing beginners ready to move beyond entry-level and introductory step-up instruments, the Concert offers a richer and more nuanced acoustic response than the Franz Hoffmann Prelude Double Bass. Its traditional spirit varnish gives the bass a refined appearance that highlights the natural character of the spruce, while a genuine ebony fingerboard, an adjustable maple bridge, geared tuning machines, and a carbon composite tailpiece provide durable, player-friendly performance. D’Addario Helicore steel-core strings provide stable tuning, quick response, and a clear tone that helps students hear pitch and intonation. Each bass is individually set up and inspected to ensure proper playability, making it an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and students seeking reliable performance without compromise.

Available in sizes 3/4 and 1/2, the Concert grows with young musicians throughout their learning journey. Backed by Shar Music's 30-day satisfaction guarantee and trusted by music educators nationwide.

Key Features

• Refined Step-Up Double Bass: Greater tonal complexity, projection, and responsiveness support developing students whose technique has progressed beyond an entry-level instrument
• Hybrid Spruce and Laminate Construction: A solid spruce top provides greater warmth, resonance, and responsiveness, while laminated back and sides add durability and climate stability for regular student use
• Gamba-Shaped Body: Sloping shoulders provide easier access to higher positions while maintaining the familiar feel and appearance of a traditional upright bass
• Genuine Ebony Fingerboard: Durable ebony playing surface supports smooth shifting, comfortable fingering, and long-term student use
  
• Geared Tuning Machines: Steel and nickel-chrome tuning machines with brass gears provide smooth, controlled tuning and dependable string tension
• Adjustable Maple Bridge: Individually fitted maple bridge allows the string height to be adjusted for seasonal conditions and comfortable playability
  
• Carbon Composite Tailpiece: Lightweight, durable tailpiece provides stable support for the strings without adding unnecessary weight
• Traditional Spirit Varnish: Spirit varnish gives the bass a refined appearance while highlighting the natural figure and character of the spruce
• D’Addario Helicore Strings: Responsive steel-core strings deliver stable tuning, clear articulation, and dependable performance
  
• Two Sizes Available: Available in 1/2 and 3/4 sizes
• Professionally Set Up: Each bass arrives fully adjusted and ready to play with proper string height and sound post placement
• Warm, Responsive Tone: The solid spruce top supports greater resonance, projection, and tonal depth while the laminated back and sides provide a strong, stable foundation
  
• 30-Day Guarantee: Risk-free trial period with full return privileges ensures complete satisfaction

Specifications

Why Choose the Franz Hoffmann Concert Double Bass?

1. Trusted by Music Educators: Franz Hoffmann basses are recommended by teachers nationwide for their consistent quality and reliable performance in student hands.
2. Hybrid Spruce and Laminate Construction: A solid spruce top gives developing bassists greater warmth, resonance, and responsiveness, while laminated back and sides provide the durability and stability needed for regular student use.
   
3. Professional Details for Developing Players: Ebony fingerboard, adjustable maple bridge, carbon composite tailpiece, and individual setup are typically found on instruments costing significantly more.
4. Risk-Free Trial: Shar Music's 30-day guarantee lets students and families try the instrument at home with complete peace of mind.
5. Grows With Your Student: Complete size range means you can stay with the trusted Franz Hoffmann quality as your child grows and progresses.

Care Instructions

• Wipe the bass after each playing session with a soft, dry cloth to remove rosin dust and perspiration
• Store in its case when not in use to protect from dust, bumps, and sudden changes in temperature or humidity
• Retract the endpin before moving or storing the bass, and tighten the endpin screw securely before playing
• Avoid extreme conditions by keeping the double bass away from direct sunlight, heating vents, cold vehicles, and excessively dry or humid environments
• Check the bridge occasionally and ensure it remains upright and properly positioned, especially after tuning
• Replace strings when needed, typically every 12–18 months depending on playing frequency and use

FAQ

Q: What size double bass does my child need?
A: Double bass sizing is best determined by the player’s left-hand span, overall height, and standing playing comfort rather than age alone. Measure from the tip of the index finger to the tip of the pinky with the hand naturally extended. When between sizes, choosing the smaller bass generally makes early technique and posture more comfortable. Generally: 3/4 (ages 13+) and 1/2 (ages 9-13). When in doubt, consult with your music teacher or a trusted professional.

Size Selection Guide

How to Measure: Measure from the tip of the index finger to the tip of the pinky with the hand naturally extended. Round down if between sizes.

Q: Does this bass come with a bow and case?
A: This listing is for the double bass instrument only. For a complete outfit including bow, case, rosin, and endpin anchor, see the Franz Hoffmann Concert Double Bass Outfit or the Franz Hoffmann Concert Double Bass Deluxe Outfit.

Q: How does the Concert compare to Carlo Lamberti basses?
A: The Concert is the highest-level double bass in the Franz Hoffmann beginner line, offering developing players greater tonal complexity, projection, and responsiveness while remaining approachable and dependable as a student instrument. Carlo Lamberti basses provide advancing players with increasingly refined tonal character, dynamic range, projection, and room for musical expression. The Concert is ideal for a beginner seeking the most capable Franz Hoffmann bass, while the Carlo Lamberti series is designed for players ready to move into the intermediate level and select an instrument based more closely on their developing technique and tonal preferences.

Q: Is the double bass ready to play when it arrives?
A: Yes! Every Franz Hoffmann bass is professionally set up at Shar Music's workshop, including bridge fitting, sound post adjustment, and string installation. Simply tune and play!

Q: What is your return policy?
A: Shar Music offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return the bass within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.

Q: Does this instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes. This instrument is covered by Shar Music's 1-Year Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover normal wear and tear or misuse.

Due to the handmade nature of these instruments, your double bass may have a different visual appearance than what is pictured.