Master the Bass.
Craft Your Sound.
Northern Ireland’s premier destination for expert Double Bass and Bass Guitar tuition, premium Shen instruments, and professional rental services.
Expert Bass Tuition
Take your playing to the next level. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced player looking to refine your technique, we devise a learning programme to suit your individual requirements.
Explore Bass with Rod Patterson
Lessons at The Bass Academy are designed to quickly improve your technique, aural ability, chord theory, range of playing styles, sight reading, and musicality.
- All Styles Covered: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, Metal, Pop, Funk, Classical, Swing, Latin.
- All Levels Welcome: From your very first note to advanced professional preparation.
- Instrument Provided: Don't have a bass yet? Use one of ours for your lessons.
- Exam Prep (Optional): Rockschool exams (Bass Guitar) & Royal Associated Board exams (Double Bass).
- Proven Methods: Incorporating The Rabbath fingering method for Double Bass and comprehensive play-along track libraries.
Introductory / Single Lesson
1 Hour Session
Perfect for trying out the instrument or focusing on a specific technique.
Book Now5 Lesson Package
5 x 1 Hour Consecutive Weekly Lessons
Normal value £150. Save £30 when you commit to your progress.
Claim OfferPremium Instruments & Accessories
We are official stockists of Samuel Shen Double Basses, offering a range of instruments expertly set up by Master Luthier Tom Barrett. Explore our selection of basses, quality bows, and durable cases.
Shen SB200 Rogeri Willow
Fully carved double bass with spruce top, willow back and ribs. Hand applied oil varnish. Added rib depth for greater volume.
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Shen SB180 Hybrid
A fine hybrid bass with solid spruce top, flamed laminated sides and swell back. Great clarity in pizzicato. Perfect professional workhorse.
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Shen SB150
Hybrid double bass with carved spruce top, inlaid purfling, laminated maple back & sides, beautiful hand applied oil varnish.
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Shen SB100
Nicest looking laminated bass with spruce top and maple sides. Perfect for the budget conscious entering the world of double bass.
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T&G Martin Carbon Fibre Bow
French model, silver mounted. Fine balance and excellent playability rivalling the finest wooden sticks.
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Shen Ophelia Carbon Fibre Bow
Black carbon fibre stick, fully lined ebony frog, nickel silver winding. Dependable construction.
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Glasser Premium Fibreglass Bow
Distinctive grip, half-lined frog. Outstanding responsiveness, won't warp or break at the tip.
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Padded Double Bass Bag
High quality padded canvas, four heavy-duty handles, multiple accessory pockets. Fits up to 7/8 size.
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Heavy Duty Bow Case
Black canvas case with plush velvet compartments. Securely holds two bows. Includes carrying strap.
Enquire NowPlease note: All shop prices exclude P&P. Contact us to arrange purchase and delivery or collection.
Double Bass Hire
Ever wondered if you could learn the double bass but don’t have an instrument? We provide professional rental solutions for students, touring musicians, and promoters.
Student Hire Packages
Perfect for beginners taking their first steps into playing the double bass.
- High-quality, easy-to-play student models.
- Includes bow and padded bag.
- Special discounted rates when you book lessons simultaneously.
Professional & Gig Hire
For promoters, tour managers, and production managers requiring reliable instruments.
- Short-term hire for festivals, gigs, and tours.
- Extensive range from durable laminates to fully carved orchestral double basses.
- Flexible logistics and support.
Meet Rod Patterson
Founder & Principal Instructor
A music graduate from Newcastle College of Arts, England, Rod has worked in every imaginable musical situation since his return to Belfast in 1990.
As a professional freelance bass player, his work takes him around the world and his performing and recording credits range from 'The Full Monty' to The Ulster Orchestra, from Jazz concerts to pop gigs. His work as a musical director includes eight years with UTV on 'Kelly', numerous programs for BBC (N.I.), and worldwide cruise contracts.
In 2013 he founded The Bass Academy and in 2014 teamed up with esteemed luthier Tom Barrett to bring premium Shen Double Basses to players across Ireland.
The Double Bass Workshop
We partner with Tom Barrett (Galway), offering expert restoration, repair, and setup of all our double basses, ensuring your instrument plays perfectly.
Get in Touch
Enquire about lessons, shop items, or hire packages.