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 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 makers competition. If you love the double bass, become a member of the International Society of Bassists today!
ISB 2023 Convention
The ISB 2023 Convention will be held June 5-10, 2023 in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan, home of our host University of Michigan. The event will take place June 5-10. We anticipate over 1,000 bassists, exhibitors, collaborative musicians, family members, and guests from around the world to attend the concerts, seminars, workshops, lecture-demonstrations, panel discussions, masterclasses, exhibits, Young Bassists Program, and ensembles for non-professional bassists.
Click the button below to learn more and register.
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 . . .
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!
Bass World
Members receive Bass World magazine three times a year in the mail, as a digital flipbook, or both!
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!
Store / Rental Library
Members sell their CDs, composition, books, DVDs and other merchandise online at the ISB Store, including the Gary Karr Online Store and new ISB/Gary Karr Rental Library of full and string orchestra scores and parts.
Directories
Members can be listed in our Teacher and Luthier directories. Looking for an instructor? Looking for a studio or shop that does repairs or sells instruments and accessories? Search for teachers or luthiers 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 double bass's history and future in the George Vance Online Resource Library.