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 maker's competition. If you love the double bass, become a member of the International Society of Bassists today!
Coming Soon! Max Winningham
Saturday, October 19, 2024 — Next up on the ISB Center Stage, we proudly present ISB Center Stage Composer's Corner with Max Winningham. Max Winningham is a repeat winner in the ISB's composition competition. Max received a BMA in Double Bass Performance from Northwestern University with Andrew Raciti. In 2018, Max spent a year in Paris studying with François Rabbath, and was awarded the International Rabbath Institute de Paris (IRIP) performance and teaching certificates, as well as one of the Artist-in-Residence positions at the Cité Internationale des Arts Paris. Max recently completed a double MM degree in double bass performance and composition at Baylor University, studying with Sandor Ostlund and Scott McAllister. This is a free event open to all. Register now, space is limited!
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
I hope this issue of Bass World finds you enjoying some great weather, perhaps playing a summer music festival, or enjoying a different pace to your work and study. This recent spring, I have had the chance to participate in some double bass events . . . .
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!
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.