About OJBR

Mission

The purpose of this journal is to foster and communicate original scholarly research pertaining to the history, development, function and features of the double bass and other related bowed bass instruments, their players and repertoires, as well as to disseminate critical reviews of recently published books and articles in these subject areas.

Procedures

After initial screening by the Editor, papers are selected for publication only once they have passed a rigorous peer review process. Submitted articles are judged on the basis of the originality and suitability of subject, quality of research and significance of results. Original manuscripts reflecting a high quality of scholarship are invited from scholars and practitioners in a wide variety of arenas and disciplines relevant to the double bass or related instruments. Topics may be presented from any number of different perspectives or disciplines, such as historical musicology, performance practice, pedagogy, lutherie, iconography, biography, and/or analysis, and may deal with subjects stemming from any period in the instrument's history up to the present. At this time, the official language of the OJBR is English, although provisions may in future be made to publish foreign texts along with their English translation. (Authors are required to submit an English translation before the article may be considered.) Articles should not exceed a maximum of 10,000 words. Contributors are encouraged to consult recent issues of the OJBR or contact the Editor with any further questions or concerns regarding tone or content.

The Peer Review

Articles submitted for consideration will be judged on the basis of the originality and suitability of subject, quality of research and significance of results. After initial screening by the General Editor, papers are selected for publication only once they have passed a rigorous peer review process. The purpose of the review is to determine that the research is original and factual, that it is presented in a clear and concise manner, that it is suitable in content, quality and style for publication and that it furthers the mission of the OJBR readership and community. The peer review panel will typically consist of one or more specialists chosen specifically for their expertise in the article's subject area, but preferably not directly connected with the project or author under review. The review panel will be requested to make detailed comments regarding the manuscript's subject matter, methodology and quality, to suggest any revisions and ultimately to recommend or discourage its acceptance for the OJBR. The reviewers' comments will then be conveyed to the author at the discretion of the Editor. Reviewers will remain anonymous and their identities may only be disclosed should they grant permission. Similarly, all details of the manuscript under consideration are held in strict confidence by the Editor and reviewers, and may not be made public or used for personal gain. Substantial revisions may sometimes be invited, subject to re-review by the editor and referees. To avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretation of reviewer and editor recommendations, we encourage authors to contact the Editor with any salient questions prior to resubmission.