Tuba or Double Bass... If you can only have one?
 

I'm scoring a film project of mine, which is a crime thriller, and I want a low bass instrument to be used for suspense and also for dark comedy in some sections.

I could use both, or I could just choose one for more consistency in the bass sound. But if I do choose just one, what should it be for suspense and dark comedy in other parts?

You should use double bass for most of it, but you should add some tuba moments during the funny bits like *womp womp*

Oh okay. Yeah that's what others say to, to use the tuba for comedy, but can't a tuba be played seriously as well, such as some movie soundtracks such as Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) or The Punisher (1989)?

Yep, low brass drones can build suspense pretty well.

Oh okay. Well if a tuba can also produce suspense when being played that way, then is their any reason to go with a double bass instead, that you cannot get with a tuba?

I just think it'd sound nice and you wouldn't have to incorporate extended techniques to be more dynamic. They both could work and only you can say if the context of the rest of the instrumentation is appropriate.

Oh okay thanks. What if you can only choose one between the viola and the french horn for a score in a more crime thriller tone? Which would you rather have and why?

Tuba: The tuba can create a deep, ominous sound that is often associated with suspenseful moments in film. Its rich, resonant tones can add a sense of foreboding and tension to your scenes. Additionally, the tuba can also be used in a more lighthearted or comedic way, especially if played with a playful or mischievous flair. It can help create a darkly comedic atmosphere in the scenes where you want to add a touch of humor.

String Double Bass: The string double bass, when played with a bow, can produce a haunting, suspenseful sound that is well-suited for creating tension in your film. It has a darker, more subtle quality compared to the tuba, which can be effective for building suspenseful moments. However, it may not have the same comedic effect as the tuba, so if you want to use the bass instrument for both suspense and dark comedy, the tuba might be the more versatile choice.

Ultimately, the choice between the tuba and the string double bass depends on the specific scenes and the overall tone you want to achieve in your film. If you prioritize consistency in the bass sound and want to use the same instrument for both suspense and dark comedy, the tuba might be the better option. However, if you're looking for a darker, more subtle sound for suspenseful moments and are willing to use a different instrument for dark comedy scenes, the string double bass could be a great choice.