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We call instruments such as these 'Workshop' instruments
because the roughed-out bodies of instruments - in this case -
emanating from Hungary - undergo a substantial programme of improvements
in the workshop of our capable restorer Martyn J. Bailey. In
brief the structural alterations and developments to these instruments
includes 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.
Yes – it's not difficult to see that some
pretty spectacular carving work has been performed on this instrument,
and being only one of two available throughout the whole of the
UK it really is a limited edition.
As with all our Workshop instruments you really
are buying into a quality of sound and set-up that for the price
tag is quite extraordinary.
Well to buy the wood alone - here in England - would
set a maker back by about £2000-00 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 or European 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 is a new fingerboard
of pitch- black dense ebony, there is an endpin unit made entirely
by hand to a traditional English design and there is a really good
looking set of smooth running cogs that have been made in Germany.
Yes - our supplier has assured us that the wood
used to make these instruments has been naturally seasoned for
at least five years.
Big round and gutsy with focus and lots of colours.
This instrument is both very special and
very distinctive. If you are looking to make an impression in your
jazz-ensemble, at music college or perhaps as a soloist then this
image-making instrument could well have your name on it.
LOB (length of back) - 109.4cm (43.10cm)
Width at the upper bouts - 49.3cm (19.45in)
Width at the middle bouts - 37.5cm (14.80in)
Width at the lower bouts - 65.8cm (25.95in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates- 22.8cm (9.00in) Body stop
- 59.0cm (23.25in)
St. length - 105.2cm (41.45in)
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