German (Dresden) orchestral bass circa 1890 - #2444 |
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A nicely presented and proportioned viol-shaped instrument with an absolutely glorious highly-flamed, full-carved back. Where the neck joins the body of the instrument the upper back flows around the contours of a top block which seems to bulge upwards on either side of the neck block. This combined with the fact that the back is totally crack free makes this a most distinctive and visually splendid instrument. To complement the wood of the back our restorer - Martyn J. Bailey - has fitted a stunning new neck of glorious high flaming. It replaces a recently fitted one of far too great-a-length (About 14mm too long. The old neck is offered as a trophy with the instrument if you really want it). One wonders exactly where that particular restorer got his measurements! All is now absolutely A1 structurally. There's a new bass bar, a supportive patch to the post area, half-edging and edging work and all cracks to table and ribs fully studded and secure. Sound as always is a subjective matter, but for me this instrument does speak both well and quickly with a good positive sound and complete range of dynamics. What more do you want? Oh, the instrument feels very comfy to play, the measurements are excellent and that new neck does feel absolutely superb. This good-looking, good sounding instrument is definitely a winner for any upwardly-progressing orchestral musician. For the jazzer it offers a more rounded gutty sound in comparison to the French instruments. Width at the upper bout 20.8in (52.9cm) Price UK£ 11,500 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant
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