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 double 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 double bass competition, a composition contest, and now, a maker's competition. If you love the double bass, become a member of the International Society of Bassists today!

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Center Stage

Coming Soon!
Elsen Price

Saturday, December 7, 2024 — Next up on the ISB Center Stage, we proudly present Elsen Price. Elsen Price earned his bachelor of performance degree studying double bass with Alex Henery at the Sydney (Australia) Conservatorium on Music. Since then Elsen has pursued a career performing new and world music by composers such as Andrew Batt-Rawden, David Hush, P. Kellach Waddle, Elena Kats-Chernin and Keyna Wilkins. Elsen also collaborates with many traditional ethnic performers from Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Armenia. This is a free event open to all. Register now, space is limited!

Scam Warning

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There is a music lessons scam email going around, received by some members listed in our ISB email directory. They have been contacted by a person who wants to arrange for lessons for a child, since his family is going to be traveling to the U.S.

Click the button below for more details.

ISB AmBASSadors Blog

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International Society of Bassists AmBASSadors share information to inspire, educate, and connect double bass players, teachers, and makers from around the world.

ISB members and non-members alike are welcome! To learn more and / or sign up for updates, click the button below.

ISB 2025 Convention

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ISB is headed to Florida State University College of Music in Tallahassee, Florida for the ISB 2025 Convention, taking place June 2-7, 2025. Make plans now to join us for all the performances, lectures, masterclasses, exhibits, and a week-long program for young bassists for ages 18 and under.



Store / Rental Library

ISB / Gary Karr 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.

President's Corner

Photo of Gaelen McCormick

Ahhh autumn! At least where I live in upstate New York near Lake Ontario, autumn has arrived, and with it the return to cycles of learning and growth. I often feel that autumn is back to basics time. We are all excited to grow, to do new and different things . . . .

Membership

Membership

As an ISB member, you are helping to build a worldwide double bass community that connects people, music and ideas every day, in new and often unexpected ways. Member benefits include . . .



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Bass World

Bass World cover

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 47 Number 1, featuring The History of the ISB.

Make a Donation

Make a Donation

If you love the double bass and benefit from the many ways the ISB brings the worldwide double bass community together, then we need your support!



Directories

Teachers Directory

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

Anderson Insurance

ISB members in good standing are eligible for a group rate on instrument insurance from Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions, LLC.

Resource Library

George Vance Online Resource Library

ISB Members may browse through 40+ years of publications and learn more about the double bass's history and future in the George Vance Online Resource Library.