International Society of Bassists

What International Society of Bassists does

The International Society of Bassists (ISB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization founded in 1967 by Gary Karr and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is the only global organization dedicated exclusively to the double bass community, serving nearly 3,000 members across more than 20 countries. The ISB's mission is to inspire public interest in the double bass, raise performance standards, and provide a network for those who teach, study, perform, repair, build, research, and enjoy the instrument.

ISB's core products and services span publications (Bass World magazine published three times yearly, the refereed Online Journal of Bass Research, the George Vance Online Resource Library of 40+ years of archival content), biennial competitions (Performance, Composition, Maker's, Research), a biennial in-person convention alternating between host universities (Florida State University in 2025, University of New Mexico in 2027), and digital directories (Teacher, Luthier, Rent-a-Bass, Members, Business, Bass Club). The society also curates two historically significant instruments — the Karr-Koussevitzky Bass and the Scott LaFaro Bass — and operates the Gary Karr Rental Library of orchestral arrangements. Educational programming includes the ISB Young Bassists (ages 8-18), NextGen, and Student Advisory Council initiatives.

Revenue is generated across multiple streams: recurring annual membership dues, transaction-based advertising (members $30 / non-members $100 for Basses for Sale listings), competition entry fees, convention registration ($60 for the 2027 convention), e-commerce sales through a Shopify storefront, donations across multiple named funds (Endowment, Rodney Mohr Luthier Scholarship, Harmon Lewis Grant, Gary Karr Next Generation), instrument insurance commissions via Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions, and rental fees for the Gary Karr library ($50-$350). Distribution is primarily digital (website, email newsletter, social channels including Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and LinkedIn) with print Bass World magazine and biennial conventions as in-person anchors. Strategic partners include Robertson & Sons Violin Shop, Pirastro, Carl Fischer Music, Kolstein Music, the Robert Black Foundation, and host universities.

Name

International Society of Bassists

Legal name

International Society of Bassists

Website

https://isbworldoffice.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The International Society of Bassists is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1967 that serves nearly 3,000 double bass players, students, educators, and luthiers worldwide through publications, biennial conventions, competitions, scholarships, and curated historical instrument collections.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Music Membership Organization

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (71113)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAMANAC

Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir)

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/Music Education (Instrumental & Vocal)

Keywords

• Double bass community
• Music membership organization
• Bass education resources
• Music competitions
• Instrument insurance

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to member benefits including Bass World magazine (3x yearly), the George Vance Online Resource Library, Center Stage events, member directories, and discounts on products and advertising.
2. ISB Store / Product Sales: Sale of printed music, CDs, posters, t-shirts, DVDs, videos, and Bass World back issues through the ISB Online Store (Shopify platform). Also includes The Gary Karr Store.
3. Basses for Sale Advertising: Members pay $30 per ad, non-members pay $100 per ad. Ads run for one year unless cancelled.
4. Competition Entry Fees: Biennial competitions in Performance, Composition, Maker's, and Research categories. Fees support prize money and event logistics.
5. Advertising: Advertising opportunities in Bass World magazine, on the ISB website, in the ISB E-Newsletter, through hosted email blasts to membership, and rental of the ISB mailing list.
6. Convention Revenue: Registration fees for biennial conventions (ISB 2027 Convention - $60 presenter registration). The society is a nonprofit putting revenues back to work for its membership.
7. Donations: Tax-deductible donations supporting various funds including Endowment, Luthier Scholarship Fund, Harmon Lewis Grant Program, Gary Karr Next Generation Scholarship Fund, General Support, and Convention support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The International Society of Bassists is a non-profit membership organization that serves the global double bass community through publications (Bass World magazine, Online Journal of Bass Research), competitions, biennial conventions, scholarships, instrument insurance, online directories, and access to historical instruments. Members receive resources including the George Vance Online Resource Library, Center Stage interview series, and various member benefits supporting professional, educational, and amateur bassist needs worldwide.

Product overview

The International Society of Bassists operates a membership-based organization serving double bass players worldwide through a portfolio of interconnected products and services. The core offering includes Bass World magazine (published three times yearly), the ISB Online Store on Shopify, the ISB / Gary Karr Rental Library, and various digital resources including ISB Center Stage (online interviews), Body & Bass (health resources), and the George Vance Online Resource Library. The organization runs four major biennial competitions: Performance, Maker's, Composition, and Research competitions. It supports bassists through scholarships (Jane Little, Al Fisher, Rodney Mohr Luthier) and grants (Harmon Lewis Collaborative Keyboard Artist). Historical assets include the Karr-Koussevitzky Bass and Scott LaFaro Bass & Archives. The ISB Convention is held biennially, with the 2027 event scheduled for Albuquerque. Additional member services include directories for teachers, luthiers, rent-a-bass, business, and bass clubs, plus the Daily Dose of Double Bass calendar and Student Advisory Council programs for young bassists ages 15-25.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bass World Magazine Official membership magazine published three times yearly, featuring columns for soloists, orchestra members, jazz and electric bass players, instrument maintenance advice, health discussions, teacher tips, and interviews with leading bassists worldwide. Available in print and digital flipbook formats.
• ISB Online Store

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $23,000 raised through 2025 Build-a-Bass Sweepstakes for luthier scholarships
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of New Mexico Department of MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2027Host institution for ISB 2027 Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 7-12, 2027. Hosted by the bass studio of Professor Al Laszlo.
• Robertson & Sons Violin ShopcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Sponsor of the 2025 ISB Maker's Competition. A renowned violin shop that also serves the double bass community.
• Pirastro GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Convention Gold Sponsor for 2025 ISB Double Bass Competition. Donated a set of steel or synthetic core strings to first prizewinners in divisions age 15 and up.
• Carl Fischer MusicminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Donated copies of Orin O'Brien's Double Bass Notebook to prizewinners in the orchestra divisions of the 2025 ISB Double Bass Competition.
• Florida State University College of MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Host institution for the 2025 ISB Double Bass Competition and Convention. Site co-chairs: George Speed and Rodney Jordan.
• Kolstein MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2014Manhattan location houses the Scott LaFaro Bass for viewing. The bass is available for ISB members to borrow for concerts and recording sessions.
• Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnderson is the endorsed insurance agent for the ISB Musical Instrument Insurance Program. Located in Sebring, Florida, they provide group rates for ISB members in good standing. $260 minimum annual premium covers up to $28,313 in instruments ($0.83/$100 value).
• Kolstein MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarrie Kolstein gifted Scotty's double bass to the ISB on April 14, 2014 (Scott LaFaro's 78th birthday). Also produces LaFaro Bass Copy #8.
• Ithaca CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocation of the Scott LaFaro Archives. Scott LaFaro attended classes at Ithaca College for a year, and his father attended the conservatory early in its history.
• Contemporary Double Bass Makers' Showcase (db-showcase.com)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe ISB is a proud sponsor of the Contemporary Double Bass Makers' Showcase.
• Gary KarrcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISB Founder (1967) who donated his fabled double bass (formerly owned by Serge Koussevitzky) to the society. Continues to contribute through the Gary Karr Rental Library and as ongoing presence in ISB programs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• International Horn Society: The International Horn Society is a global membership organization dedicated exclusively to the horn community, mirroring ISB's instrument-specific professional society model. It publishes a quarterly journal, hosts symposiums, and serves professional and amateur horn players, educators, and students worldwide — directly comparable in structure and mission to the ISB.
• International Trombone Association: The International Trombone Association is a global professional society serving trombone players, educators, students, and luthiers with a journal, annual festivals, and competitions. It mirrors ISB's structure of membership fees, publication, conventions, competitions, and historical instrument preservation for the trombone community.
• International Trumpet Guild: The International Trumpet Guild is a worldwide organization for trumpet players, educators, and enthusiasts — closely paralleling ISB's role for double bass players. It publishes the ITG Journal, hosts annual conferences and competitions, and offers member benefits analogous to ISB's Bass World magazine, biennial conventions, and competitions.
• National Flute Association: The National Flute Association is a large instrument-specific professional society serving flute players worldwide. It publishes the Flutist Quarterly, hosts an annual convention, runs competitions, and offers scholarships — directly paralleling ISB's structure across publications, conventions, competitions, and educational programming.
• Violin Society of America: The Violin Society of America is a global membership organization for string instrument makers, dealers, collectors, and players. It hosts an annual convention and instrument-making competition paralleling ISB's Maker's Competition, and serves a similar luthier-heavy membership base within the broader string instrument family.
• American String Teachers Association: ASTA is a professional membership organization for string instrument educators and performers (violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, harp). It directly overlaps with ISB's educator and string-instrument focus, publishes American String Teacher journal, and hosts conferences — making it a closely comparable peer in mission and audience.

Broad incumbents

• League of American Orchestras: The League of American Orchestras serves orchestra management and institutional members across all instruments, while ISB serves individual bass players within those orchestras. Their audiences are adjacent — ISB's professional orchestral members are individual constituents within the League's institutional membership base.
• Music Teachers National Association: MTNA is a broader music education professional organization serving independent music teachers across all instruments. While not instrument-specific like ISB, it overlaps significantly in serving bass educators and competes for the same teacher membership base through conferences, journals (American Music Teacher), and certification programs.
• National Association for Music Education: NAfME is the largest music education association in the US, serving music educators across all instruments and grade levels. While ISB focuses narrowly on double bass pedagogy, NAfME serves the broader ecosystem of music education in which ISB's educator members operate.
• Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: CMS is a leading classical music performance organization that produces concerts featuring chamber ensembles including double bass players. While ISB serves individual bass players, CMS is a performance-focused presenter — adjacent in mission and audience, and a potential partner or competitor for member attention and donations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/isbworldoffice
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-society-of-bassists
• Instagraminstagram.com/ISB_World
• Xx.com/isb_world

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Society of Bassists