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Yes it certainly is a stunner. The highly flamed
wood that has been used for the back, matching ribs, neck and scroll
is of such high value in its cut and seasoned form that it is usually
only reserved for violins or cellos.
Yes - the maker of this elegant four-string instrument
- which is modelled on the 1780 Nicola Bergonzi (1754-1832) instrument
- that is featured in the book Contrabassi Cremonesi by Duane Rosengard
(Published by Editrice Turris, Cremona 1992. ISBN 88-7929-073-8)
really has pulled out all the stops to create something that stands
right out from the crowd.
The instrument emanates from Hungary. Unfortunately
we don't
know the makers name. All that we are able to tell you is that
Hungary is one of those European countries with a long and fine
tradition of violin making.
Yes that's right - we've set this the instrument up with
a Realist pickup because we know that the it will be of particular
interest to all you jazz guys and chicks. If you'd like to know
a bit more about The Realist
Bass Transducer please click here.
Well - the thicknesses of the front and the slightly
higher table arch mean that although the acoustic sound of the
instrument is not enormous it is well balanced and incredibly clear.
Most importantly - it is free of the huge lower frequencies - that
are the cause of most amplification problems.
We would have to say that the quality of sound -
when amplified - is simply amazing. It is clean, clear, crisp and
even with a nice timbre and there is no bleed, scream or feedback.
This is because the instrument allows the amp to do the job for
which it is intended - namely amplifying the sound. If you don't
believe us come on over and have a blast on it. We've got a Schertler "Unico" amp
all ready and waiting.
Yes indeed. The instrument has a string length of
only 104.7cm which means - if you have small hands or do extension
fingering - that the whole instrument is incredibly easy to both
play and get around. In addition we've given the neck a nice slim
feel and fitted the top quality Chevalets Despiau bridge up with
aluminium adjusters. In an instant - you'll be able to vary the
height of your strings to suit your various playing styles or demands.
You'll just fall in love with the German made machine-heads
that are simply the best in both looks and smoothness of operation.
You'll also fall in love with the handmade brass endpin unit which
is both smooth and silent in operation and which provides you with
100% peace of mind.
This really is a handsome looking instrument and
the proportions are just so, so nice. When you take it out with
you on a gig - the high flaming in the wood and the skilfully "aged" warm
orange-red spirit varnish over a yellow ground are bound to be
a talking point amongst colleagues, friends and we suspect with
some of the ladies! As for the amplified sound qualities of this
instrument we think that you'll be hard pressed to find anything
anywhere near as good as this.
As mentioned previously you definitely must come
over and try out this bass. We're quite sure that you'll be much
more than impressed.
LOB (length of back) - 111.3cm (4.80in)
Width at the upper bouts - 50.3cm (19.80in)
Width at the middle bouts - 34.2cm (13.40in)
Width at the lower bouts - 65.2cm (25.60in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates- 21.3cm (8.40in) Body stop
- 60.0cm (23.65in)
St. length - 104.7cm (41.20in)
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