5-String German Orchestral Bass circa 1890 - #2424 |
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I'm looking for a good quality 5-string instrument that won't break the bank to buy. What have you got? There is definitely a shortage of five string instruments that fit this description - so it is with quite some pride that this well presented, superb sounding instrument is up and ready to go. Tell me more? You'll be pleased to know that along with the good looks and sound the model and proportions of this instrument make it a very manageable one to play indeed. Just take a look at the stats. The length of back measurement is only 112.6cm and the string length is a mere 106.0cm. What is the model of the instrument? The violin outline and gentle arching is Strad influenced. Is that good? Yes. A well proportioned model coupled with arching that is gentle and flows is always conducive to a well sounding instrument. How is the instrument constructed? The back and ribs are constructed from well figured maples and the front is made from straight-grained spruce of a medium to wide width. I see that there is a fancy loop in the purfilling on the back. Yes indeed. The maker has embellished the back with a simple geometric loop to the purfilling - just below the back button. It makes a very nice finishing touch and is a distinguishing feature of the instrument. Tell me a little about the varnish? The red-brown spirit varnish over a yellow ground is the original and is in an excellent state of preservation. Is the instrument labelled? No - unfortunately there are no internal labels or inscriptions. Any ideas of where in Germany it was made? The features of the instrument (model, timber, workmanship, varnish etc) suggest the violin making area around Markneukirchen. I see that there are some long-edge protectors on the treble side ribs. Yes - the edge protectors were added to the instrument at a later date. Their generous length means that one thing is for sure - and that is - they are certain to protect the edges of the instrument from wear! The brass tuning machines look great. Can you tell me about them please? The tuning machines were made by hand in England and are of a small conical design. The cogs and worms feature a very fine gearing - which means that incredibly precise tuning can be achieved. Simply perfect for five-string instruments! The new neck is beautifully flamed. How does it feel? Yes sir. The beautiful figure of the new maple neck has been brought out and enhanced by a high level finish. Onto the upper surface of the neck we've fitted a top-quality fingerboard of the most sublime quality. When you play the instrument we think that you'll agree that both neck and board feel as good as they look. And that is super-smoooo...th. I noticed that the bridge sports some nifty looking wooden adjusters. Yes - we've fitted some beautiful boxwood adjusters to a top quality Chevalets Despieu bridge. If you do have to make the odd adjustment to the height of the bridge - we reckon that you'll be mighty impressed by how easy they are to use and just how great they feel in the hand. Sounds like you've gone to town on the set up? Yes - we always like to present out instruments in the best way possible. What make of string have you used? The G-E strings are Thomastic Belcanto. The low B is a Thomastic Superflexible. We boffins at The Contrabass Shoppe think that this combination is both responsive and full sounding. Ah yes - tell me more about how it sounds? It has deep, dark, tonally rich sounds. The sort of sounds that are the fundamentals of any orchestra. Can you give me a summary? Sound alone should sell this instrument - but the fact is - there really is a quite extensive list of positives that make this the sort instrument that should be placed high up on your wanted list. Firstly it is a five string, secondly it is an excellent model, third - it's well made, fourth - it's very playable, fifth - it looks and feels good and sixth - it's in great condition. If all that isn't enough to "float your boat" - then I'm quite positive that the price will. With old 5-string - English and Italian instruments virtually unobtainable and in most cases - financially - well beyond the reach of most - this "complete" orchestral instrument surely is unbeatable value for money. Stats: LOB (length of back) - 112.6cm (44.40in) Price UK£ 20,000 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant
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