Inspire, Educate, Connect
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About the International Society of Bassists
The ISB was founded by the world-renowned virtuoso Gary Karr in 1967. With some 3,000 members in over 40 countries, the ISB is an organization for those who teach, study, play, repair, build and enjoy the bass. The ISB is a forum for communication among bassists throughout the world and across a wide variety of musical styles. Members receive our journal, Bass World, three times per year and are the first to receive email communications regarding upcoming events, bass news, and more. Every two years the ISB holds an international convention and bass competition, a composition contest, and now, a maker's competition. If you love the bass, become a member of the International Society of Bassists today!
Coming Soon!
Jacob Warren
Saturday, October 24, 2026 — Next up on the ISB Center Stage, we proudly present Jacob Warren, Assistant Professor of Double Bass at Bowling Green State University. Jacob explores collaboration, creativity, and the evolving role of the double bassist across musical genres and ensembles. As a founding member of Warren & Flick and Westbound Situation, and a member of Grammy-nominated Kittel & Co., Warren brings a unique perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and artistic possibilities of building meaningful musical partnerships. This is a free event open to all. Register now, space is limited!
ISB 2027 Convention
ISB is headed to University of New Mexico Department of Music in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the ISB 2027 Convention, taking place June 7-12, 2027. Make plans now to join us for all the performances, lectures, masterclasses, exhibits, and a week-long program for bassists 18 and under.
Competitions & Awards
The ISB holds biennial competitions for Performers, Composers, Makers, and Researchers.
Bass World
Members receive Bass World magazine three times a year in the mail, as a digital flipbook, or both!
Read the latest issue of Bass World, Volume 49 Number 1, featuring The ISB Celebrates 60 Years, 1967-2027.
President's Corner
2027 Convention Chair and ISB President-Elect Dennis Whittaker shares the ISB's vision for electric bass inclusion.
At the Isle of Man Double Bass Competition in 1978, Gary Karr lauded the variety of instruments and performers on display. While other string instruments have minor variety in their architecture . . . .
Call for Site Proposals
Have you attended ISB conventions in the past and wondered how the ISB selects its convention sites?
We are seeking invitations from potential host colleges and universities for our convention, usually held in June of odd-numbered years.
Store / Rental Library
The ISB Online Store has relaunched on the Shopify platform, with a sharp new look and improved mobile functionality. Browse through hundreds of products offered by ISB members - music scores, methods, books, recordings and of course, The Gary Karr Store.
Membership
As an ISB member, you are helping to build a worldwide bass community that connects people, music and ideas every day, in new and often unexpected ways. Member benefits include . . .
Make a Donation
If you love the bass and benefit from the many ways the ISB brings the worldwide bass community together, then we need your support!
Directories
Members can be listed in our Teacher, Luthier, or Rent-a-Bass directories. Looking for an instructor? Looking for a studio or shop that does repairs or sells instruments and accessories? Traveling and need to rent a bass? Search for teachers, luthiers, or basses to rent by name or location.
Bass Insurance
ISB members in good standing are eligible for a group rate on instrument insurance from Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions, LLC.
Resource Library
ISB Members may browse through 40+ years of publications and learn more about the bass's history and future in the George Vance Online Resource Library.