Some of the greatest classical music double bassists have left their mark on the history of music and played a significant role in the evolution of the instrument. Some of the most famous include Domenico Dragonetti, Carl Stamitz, Gary Karr, and Edgar Meyer.

Domenico Dragonetti is considered one of the greatest double bassists of all time. Born in Venice in 1763, he was trained by his father, who was also a talented double bassist. Dragonetti began his career playing in the orchestras of Venice and quickly became one of the most sought-after double bassists in Europe. He played in the greatest concert halls and with the greatest orchestras, including the Opera Orchestra of Paris and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Dragonetti was also the first to publish a collection of solos for double bass, which helped to establish the instrument as a soloist.

Carl Stamitz is another great classical music double bassist. Born in Bavaria in 1745, he was one of the first double bassists to use a bow, which allowed him to develop a very expressive playing style. Stamitz played in many orchestras and wrote numerous works for double bass, including concertos and sonatas.

Gary Karr, born in 1941, is another important figure in the world of classical double bass. He was the first double bassist to play a solo concerto with a full symphony orchestra. His impressive technique and musicality have made him a respected figure in the classical music community.

More recently, Edgar Meyer has established himself as one of the greatest classical music double bassists. His versatility and innovative approach to the instrument have made him a sought-after collaborator and soloist, and his contributions to the genre have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.