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If the answer to this question is yes you might well
want to consider this rather special instrument for your young prodigy.
It was commissioned in 1974-5 directly from Gunter Krahmer-Pollmann
(b.1938) by the former principal bassist of the London Symphony
Orchestra and professor at Guildhall School of Music and Drama -
namely Thomas Martin - for his son to learn on. Built to exactly
the same high standard as the large 5-string orchestral instruments
that the Pollmann family is world-renowned - this is an absolute
gem of an instrument.
The instrument has certainly seen some big names
in the bass world over the past 30 years. In 1978 the well-known
English bass maker (production of 50 instruments) from Taunton in
Somerset - Ronald Prentice - purchased it from Martin for his daughter
to use. She won a music-scholarship playing it. Prentice later hired
it out to the most distinguished of all bass players - Adrian Bears
MBE (b.1916 - d.2004)- for his son to learn upon.
The instrument is in absolutely fabulous condition.
We did have to pop the table (off) to repair a minor centre seam
opening but apart from this there was very little else necessary
apart from adjusting the origional bridge, fitting a decent endpin,
tailwire and setting up with a new quarter size set of the reassuringly
expensive Pirastro Chromcor strings.
For such a small sized instrument this is a very
impressive sound indeed. The instrument has a clear carrying quality
that is absolutely perfect for a budding soloist.
Yes, Prentice made a very tidy 1/4 size (LOS - 538mm)
bass bow to go with the instrument. Although the bow is only nickel
mounted the pernambuco stick is of very decent quality. The stick
is octagonal and the bow weighs 106gms. It is branded Ronald Prentice
on the shaft.
In addition there is a brand-new shower proof "Rucksack"
cover made from black nylon. It is exceedingly well made and features
12mm thick padding, rucksack straps for back transportation, carrying
handles, music pocket, bow pocket, accessory pocket and heavy duty
- length zip.
You have to pay from EUR14 000 - EUR24 000 plus German
sales tax to commission a new instrument from Michael and Ralph
- the fourth generation of Pollmann makers.
So with a price tag at £6 000-00 including
both the bow and cover for an instrument made by their father we
think that you're making a pretty good investment. If you or your
child prodigy outgrows the instrument and you don't wish to hang
onto it as a solo instrument or simply as an investment - you can
always bring it back to the Shoppe and part exchange it for something
larger.
Yes - rental might be another possibility that we
could discuss.
A well crafted instrument from a big name in German
bass making. This is an instrument that already holds a significant
provenance in terms of the former students who have had their appetites
for the double bass wetted by the use of this instrument.
We think that when you hear your son or daughter
performing on this instrument it will bring a tear to your eye.
Width at the upper bout 16.75in (42.5cm)
Width at the centre bout 12.25in (31.5cm)
Width at the lower bout 22.00in (55.8cm)
LOB 35.75in (91.0cm)
St length 34.50in (87.6cm)
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