Double Bass

Gunnar Biggs grew up in a deeply musical family, guided by his father, Dr. Millard Biggs, a professional French horn player and longtime professor at San Diego State University. Following in his father’s footsteps, Gunnar became both a performer and an educator, teaching double bass at SDSU for over 25 years and directing jazz ensembles at Palomar Community College, while also maintaining a thriving private studio.

Eli Broxham is a versatile, classically trained double bassist whose extensive repertoire spans various genres, playing with bands such as Dallas Ugly and The Arcadian Wild. His father, a rock drummer, nurtured his passion for music, whose enthusiasm ignited Eli’s early interest in instruments. Starting with the violin in third grade, Eli gravitated towards the electric bass, ultimately discovering his true musical passion in the double bass—a harmonious cross between the two. In high school, Eli's talent flourished as he played in the jazz band, and his classical training deepene

Owen Clayton began playing the double bass while in school. At the time, he had to stand on a box to play, but he didn’t mind at all because he enjoyed the sound of the instrument and it’s role the band. In 1951, when Owen was just 14, he was playing for local dance halls in and around Liverpool, England. Owen began recording with local bands and can be heard on the popular (now historic) Skiffle classic, “The Last Train to San Fernando.” In 1962, he played on the same bill as a new group called the Silver Beatles. Owen was featured in the Syndicate, led by Steve Bennett and a pop

Alphonso Johnson, an internationally renowned bassist and Chapman Stick virtuoso, epitomizes the epitome of musical mastery and innovation. With a career spanning decades, Alphonso has carved an indelible mark on the world stage through his mesmerizing performances, prolific recording endeavors and unwavering commitment to musical education. From his humble beginnings in Philadelphia to gracing prestigious venues worldwide, Alphonso's journey is a testament to the transformative power of talent and perseverance.

Rocky Smolin was surrounded by music as a kid and gravitated toward the guitar during the Folk boom of the 1960s. As his career in software development grew, music was set aside for a while until one day he realized he wanted to learn the bass. And so, he did! Rocky is a proud member of the New Horizons Band located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music. This program was created for people who never had the opportunity to play an instrument or for those who played back in school and want to pick it up again. No matter what your circumstances, New Horizons Music provides a non-intimidat

Maureen Wall credits the dedicated teachers who provided her with private lessons for shaping her musical path. Starting piano at age six and moving on to double bass by sixth grade, Maureen’s teachers also gave her opportunities to perform outside of school, which greatly enriched her experience. She was the youngest bass player at the Manhattan School of Music, and her dual talents in business development and music performance led her to Johnson String Instrument in Newton, Massachusetts. Over the years, her role has evolved, but her focus remains on training staff to reach thei

Roland Wilfer is a fourth generation master luthier of the Emanuel Wilfer Double Bass Master Workshop. The workshop was founded 1905 and is specialized in crafting fine double basses for classical music, jazz, rockabilly and blues. Owner Roland Wilfer visits three trade shows a year to meet his clients, many musicians and enthusiasts of the basses that he and eight employees of the fine workshop make. Marketing is done by word of mouth. The business has shifted from wholesalers to musicians contacting Roland Wilfer directly, and that’s just fine with him.