New instruments, inspired by old masters

Spruce from the Alps

My personally built new double basses are made from wood that has been left to air-dry naturally in my workshop for at least 15 years. The tops are made from spruce (picea abies) from the Alps, and the backs, ribs and necks of the instruments are made from maple sourced in Bosnia. I also stock poplar and willow if you prefer these types of wood for the backs and ribs. A long and fruitful partnership with the Firma Alpentonholz from the South of Germany gives me access to select varieties of wood.

Great masters

When building new double basses I draw inspiration from old instruments of the great master builders. Instruments like these frequently find their way to my workshop for repair, and I have been familiar with some of these basses for years. The new double basses I build have the look of an old bass, but have been adapted to the shape demanded by a modern and virtuoso mode of playing. The instrument is shaped ergonomically and at the same time retains the look of an old bass.

Tone

The sound quality of my new instruments is also clearly derived from the instruments of the old masters. The finish on the top and back panel is key in that respect. First, the bass is made ready to play without any lacquer finish. This has the advantage that, if necessary, the instrument’s sound quality can still be modified on the outside of the body. Once the lacquer finish has been applied on the bass, careful adjustments to the instrument are made in an effort to improve the bass to the very last detail.

Model IV, 5-string, own model, one piece back, stringlength 107cm, built 2020