Is it common for an orchestra to have 5 string double basses?

Extended range basses have become all but standard in professional orchestras. Lots of music uses it, so you might as well have it. In the US, the preference (for whatever reason) is for the E-string extension to C on a four-string bass, whereas in Europe they prefer the 5-string instrument.

1. Is a 5 string double bass common?
2. How many string basses does an orchestra have?
3. Can basses have 5 strings?
4. Why do some basses have 5 strings?

Is a 5 string double bass common?

You´ll mainly see them in Central/Northern Europe and some other areas. They are most popular in German orchestras, for example the entire sections of the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Deutche Kammerorkester play exclusively on five-strings.

How many string basses does an orchestra have?

A symphony orchestra is usually made up of (give or take) around ten first violins and ten second violins, ten violas, eight cellos and six double basses.

Can basses have 5 strings?

Now, with many years of design refinements under its belt, the five-string bass — with a burly low-B string added to the traditional four-string's E-A-D-G — is considered almost mainstream, to the point where many bass manufacturers offer five-string instruments.

Why do some basses have 5 strings?

The reason for having more strings is to add more range to the bass. ... Many bassists were being replaced by computers and keyboards because they could play lower bass notes than a standard 4-string bass. To compensate, some bassists began playing 5-string basses that added 5 lower-pitched notes to their arsenal.