Inspire, Educate, Connect
This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some are essential to make our site work; others help us improve the user experience. By using the site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. Read our Privacy Statement to learn more.
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!
Coming Soon! Gary Karr with Tom Martin and Chris West
Saturday, December 4, 2021 — It's Getting Together with Gary, the monthly online talk show with our host, the one and only Gary Karr, and you're invited!
On Saturday, December 4 at 3 PM Eastern Time, we'll be celebrating Bottesini's 200th birthday with Gary and his very special guests Tom Martin and Chris West, author of an exciting new biography, The Paganini of the Double Bass: Bottesini in Britain.
This is a free event open to all. Register now, space is limited!
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 . . .
2023 ISB Convention
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!
Sign Up to Stay in Touch!
Want to stay in touch with ISB? Tell us if you want to receive regular communications about events, ways to connect, special opportunities, Monday's "Bass Stuff" emails, and more.
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.