Double bass can often be found in various forms of performance nowadays. It has been a history of 70 years since the performance of traditional Chinese music became symphonic. The existence of double bass in a Chinese orchestra originated from the lack of musical instruments playing low compass in a large orchestra composed of traditional Chinese musical instruments. Therefore, the bowed-instruments, cello and double bass, in a symphony are used for performing low-pitched sounds in a traditional Chinese orchestra. As to the low-pitched pipe and plucked instruments, newly developed and improved musical instruments are adopted. The increase of instrument players and resources has contributed to the needs of low-pitched sounds to a certain extent. As a result, plenty of trials in relating to symphonic Chinese orchestra have been made in various aspects such as composition, selection of musical instruments, organization, approaches, etc.

The function of a double bass in a Chinese orchestra is similar to that in a symphony. Double bass displays the lowest sounds in a symphony orchestra. The sound of a double bass is powerful and elastic. Either in a symphony orchestra or a Chinese orchestra, the performance commonly seen is that a double bass works with a cello for a section of music. These two instruments show an effect of contrast due to the 8-pitch difference. The development of double bass in a Chinese orchestra is similar to its development in a symphony. However, double bass reveals its special functions in various performances as times passes by. Some people think that western musical instruments are unable to show the characteristics of Chinese music. Compared with China, the four professional Chinese orchestras in Taiwan share the same selection of low-pitch bowed instruments. Taipei Chinese Orchestra chooses Bass Gehu while National Chinese Orchestra of Taiwan, Kaohsiung City Chinese Orchestra, Tainan City Traditional Orchestra and many other amateur orchestras use double bass. The best choice can be made between Bass Gehu and double bass when they are practically used and based on music, acoustics, etc.