Contrabass Shoppe Workshop Double Bass 2004 - #2652 - SOLD

What's a workshop instrument?

We call this instrument a 'Workshop' instrument because the roughed-out body of an instrument - in this case - emanating from Hungary - undergoes a substantial programme of improvements in the workshop of our capable restorer Martyn J. Bailey. In brief the structural alterations and developments to this instrument include removal of the table (front), regraduation of the table, removal and replacement of the bass bar, re-angling and reshaping of the neck followed by varnish work and a full set-up. The complete upgrade programme can take up to two weeks to complete. Once done the instrument is impossible to fault visually, structurally and of course sound wise.

So what will I like about this instrument?

In short the answer is everything but if I had to commit myself to only one aspect of its many qualities I'd have to say that the price tag - £7 500-00 GBP - really makes this instrument exceptional value for money.

Can you explain why?

Well to buy the wood alone - here in England - would set a maker back by about £2 000-00 before he even puts his chisel into it. When you consider that £14 000-00 is probably the average price that you'd expect to pay for an instrument made to commission from a decent UK maker then you realise just how much you're scoring already. Secondly the set-up of this instrument is incredibly high. A whole host of top quality fittings have been used. For example there's a new fingerboard of pitch- black dense ebony, there's an endpin unit made entirely by hand to a traditional English design and there's a really good looking set of smooth running cogs.

How come it was made in 2004?

Our supplier has assured us that the wood used to make this instrument has been naturally seasoned for at least five years. Just to be absolutely sure that there will be no further movement or shrinkage of the wood - we like to store them for one or two years before commencing any work on them.

Well what about the sound?

Big round and gutsy with lots of colours.

Summary.

A well-presented hand made instrument with more of an "aged" appearance. The very advantageous string length and a large-quality sound will most definitely appeal to a wide range of up and coming players.

Stats:

LOB (length of back) - 111.7cm (44.10in)
Width at the upper bouts - 51.3cm (20.25in)
Width at the middle bouts - 38.0cm (15.00in)
Width at the lower bouts - 67.7cm (26.60in)
Body stop - 57.8cm (23.75in)
St. length - 103.2cm (40.65in)

SOLD

Front View	Back View
Quarter View	Scroll View