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 maker's competition. If you love the double bass, become a member of the International Society of Bassists today!
Coming Soon!
Getting Together with Gary Karr: David McGill's Sound in Motion
Saturday, January 4, 2025 — Next up on the ISB Center Stage, we proudly present Getting Together with Gary, ISB founder Gary Karr's online salon, where he invites special guests to share stories, ideas and points of view about the musical life, and you're invited!
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, Gary and his guests will explore the all-important concepts of phrasing and timing based on David McGill's revolutionary book Sound in Motion. Start your New Year with A Performer's Guide to Greater Musical Expression.
This is a free event open to all. Register now, space is limited!
Scam Warning
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
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
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
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
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
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 . . .
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 47 Number 1, featuring The History of the ISB.
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
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 double bass's history and future in the George Vance Online Resource Library.