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The model of this instrument is based on one made by Gennaro Gagliano
of Naples. It is of violin outline and has a swell back. The arching
on both the back and front is quite high, the corners are quite
long and the edge work is well pronounced.
Yes - the wood used to make this double bass has been carefully
selected and is well matched. The flaming of the maple used for
the back, ribs and neck block is absolutely georgeous. The strong
horizontal flaming being brought out to the full by a well conceived
amber-red-brown spirit varnish that has been applied over a yellow
ground.
Yes - the spruce used for the front has also been well selected.
It has a really decent fine to medium straight grain that once
again has been brought out to good effect by a really splendid
varnish.
Yes. The workmanship is reasonably tidy.
No. Unfortunately there are no internal labels or inscriptions.
The style of making does suggest however that this is perhaps a
reasonably well experienced violin maker having a first or second
attempt at making a double bass. Some aspects of the making are
very nice - others have come out a little on the heavy side. Multiplying
figures used for violin making to determine bass measurements is
a common approach adopted by many a fiddle maker.
The Dutch player that we acquired it from -
told us that he had purchased it as Southern German. His word
is accompanied by a Dutch appraisal valuation dated 16th January
2003 - that states "De
contrabass is in zuid Duitsland gemaakt in het jaar 2000."
It was provided by Wout Bosma en Lucienne van der Lans, Lutherie
vof - of Dordrecht.
No - hardly anything at all. We just reprofiled
the neck slightly, "dressed" the
fingerboard and fitted a new soundpost. We also fitted some aluminium
bridge adjusters, a new tailpiece, a new endpin unit and a new
set of strings.
Yes - the string length is a mere 103.0cm. This is great news
for players with small hands.
Yes indeed. The instrument has a really nice slim-feel neck. For
all you bass guitar players just itching to convert to the joys
of playing a real acoustic instrument - you'll just love how easy
it is to play this one.
The sound is pretty decent. Although it is not massive it is clear,
very well balanced and even.
Yes - it would be an excellent choice for any
touring jazz player. With Velvet "Blues" fitted the sound is sort of "ploppy" -
sort of "smokey" - sort of "funky". Pretty
nice really.
Yes - indeed. The instrument should be able
to get you right the way through music college. Fitted with a
set of Thomastic "Belcanto's" -
the sound is well rounded, clear and articulate.
This is a very decent attempt at making a bass.
Although the sound is somewhat limited by the model and some
of the internal work - this is a very honest instrument in near-mint
condition. Both the Gagliano model and the selection of wood
are impressive. The "antique" style
varnish too is also noteworthy.
For the right player - this instrument is sure to provide an excellent
service for a great many years.
LOB (length of back) - 114.7cm (45.25in)
Width across upper bouts - 49.8cm (19.65in)
Width across middle bouts - 36.7cm (14.45in)
Width across lower bouts - 69.7cm (27.45in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates- 21.5cm (8.48in)
Body Stop - 58.4cm (23.00in)
String length - 103.0cm (40.25in)
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