Contrabass Shoppe Workshop Double Basses circa 2003, 2004 and 2004 - #2731 |
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I've noticed that The Contrabass Shoppe has previously had several instruments similar to these three. Is that right? Yes it is - and that's because we think that these hand made instruments are really excellent instruments to buy because they look good, feel good and sound good. In addition the price is good - no it's not - for this amount of quality it's absolutely unbelievable. Anyway I won't go on about the quality but all I know is that as soon as one of these instruments goes into the showroom it gets snapped up quicker than most people can say Also Sprach Zarathrustra. Why do you call them workshop instruments? We carefully select and purchase "roughed-out" bodies of instruments from makers in Hungary and the Czech Republic where the labour is relatively cheap and the supply of fine maple and spruce is more readily available and then make substantial structural alterations to them to create superb sounding, superb looking instruments such as this. Depending on the individual instrument the programme of changes could include removing the table (front), regraduation of the table, removal and replacement of the bass bar, re-angling and reshaping of the neck plus varnish touch-up or even a full varnish job for those instrument purchased in the "white". The instruments are then meticulously set-up with top quality fittings such as fingerboards, soundposts, endpin units and cogs, adjustable bridges and strings. How come you've placed three instruments together? Well that's because all three instruments are very similar in model, are very similar in the relatively plain type of maple used in their construction and that the programme of alterations that we performed on each one was near identical. What did you do to these three then? You'll be pleased to learn that each one has a stunning new neck, a replacement bass bar and a set up par-excellence - all courtesy of Martyn J. Bailey. As a result each one is blessed with absolutely huge volume and tonal qualities. How come one was made in 2003 and the other two in 2004? Our supplier has assured us that the wood used to make these instruments 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 two or three years before commencing any work on them. Do you think that I'll be interested in one of these instruments? Yes for sure. If your budget is around £8 500-00 I can virtually promise you that you'll be hard pressed to find better sounding instruments anywhere. What is particularly nice about the instruments - is that they are just so easy to play. Overall impression. On both price and performance these beautifully presented hand-made instruments are now widely recognised as being a market-leading product. They are absolutely ideal for a wide variety of players from good orchestral students and jazzers to dedicated amateurs and pros requiring a second or touring instrument. If it's the sort of thing that you've been looking for don't leave it too long to call – otherwise you'll find that they all been snapped up. Stats (#2682 only, #2731 and 2681 available on request) : LOB (length of back) - 115.8cm (45.65cm) Price: £8 500-00 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant 
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