Master the Art of the Double Bass.

Premium education, exquisite Samuel Shen instruments, and professional hire services in Northern Ireland. Guided by 25 years of global industry expertise.

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World-Class Instruction

Tailored to your individual requirements to rapidly improve technique, musicality, and aural ability.

Every Style. Every Level.

From absolute beginners to advanced professionals, learn double bass or bass guitar across all genres including rock, blues, jazz, classical, funk, and latin.

Directed by renowned bassist Rod Patterson, our curriculum utilizes proven methods like the Rabbath fingering system alongside immersive play-along tracks to simulate real-world gig environments.

Beginner to advanced placement
Royal Associated Board & Rockschool exam prep
Don't have a bass? Use ours for your lessons
Focus on technique, sight-reading, and chord theory

Introductory / Single Lesson

£30 / hr

Perfect for testing the waters or focused masterclasses.

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Special Offer

5-Week Mastery Package

£150 £120

Five consecutive weekly 1-hour lessons to lock in your progress.

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The Instrument Boutique

Official stockists of Samuel Shen Double Basses. Each instrument is meticulously set up locally by expert luthier Tom Barrett to ensure unparalleled playability.

Shen SB200 Rogeri Willow

Fully carved double bass with spruce top, willow back/ribs. Added rib depth for immense volume.

£6,555.00

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Shen SB180 Hybrid Bass

Solid spruce top, flamed laminated sides. A professional jazz workhorse with clarity in pizzicato.

£3,675.00

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Premium French Bows

Featuring T&G Martin Carbon Fibre, Shen Ophelia, and student Glasser bows. Perfect balance & fine arch.

From £83.00

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* Prices exclude delivery. We also stock heavy-duty padded bags and velvet-lined bow cases.

Premium Instrument Hire

Flexible double bass rental solutions for every stage of your musical journey.

Student Hire Packages

Ever wondered if you could learn the double bass but don’t want the upfront investment of buying one?

Special discounted rates when bundled with lessons
High-quality, student-friendly setups
Path to Ownership: If you buy a Shen bass at the end of your hire, we deduct the hire cost from the purchase price.

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Professional & Tour Hire

Attention Promoters, Tour Managers, and Production Managers.

Short-term and long-term gig hire
Inventory ranging from robust laminates to fully carved orchestral basses
Reliable service tailored for festivals, recording sessions, and tours

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Meet Rod Patterson

Founder & Lead Instructor

Since graduating from Newcastle College of Arts and turning pro nearly 25 years ago, Rod has been much in demand worldwide. As a professional freelance bass player, his performing and recording credits range from The Ulster Orchestra to intimate Jazz concerts, musical theatre, and pop arenas.

His work as a musical director spans eight years with UTV, BBC programming, worldwide cruise contracts (P&O, Princess), and acting as MD for Irish Blues & Jazz legend, Mary Coughlan.

In 2013 he founded The Bass Academy, and later teamed up with renowned Galway luthier Tom Barrett to provide Ireland's premier retail experience for Shen Double Basses.

Get in Touch

Ready to book a lesson, hire a bass, or test drive a Shen? We're here to help.

The Bass Academy

Belfast, Northern Ireland

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