DOUBLEBASS NEWS
Inventory Reduction Pricing Through December 31
I usually pick up between 15 and 20 new doublebasses in mid January. As large
as the display floor is, I'll have to make room for them, so I'll be listing
several new instruments at significant discounts though the end of December.
These include the new Mastri Maggini model and the new Gill Ceruti model found
on the "Basses by Other Builders" page, the new Xuechang Sun 920 and
520 models found on the "Xuechang Sun" page, and the Paesold 595V and
Hofner 518 4/4 found on the "Paesold-Hofner" page. For more information
see the listings for these specific instruments on their respective pages. Additionally,
the consigning owner of the Zuchowicz Montagnana 7/8 has authorized a price reduction
to $12,500.00.
Basses by Other Builders
Recent additions to the inventory have included a 1930s Czech Or Bohemian 3/4
Flatback. Please see the "Basses by Other Builders" page
for photos and complete descriptions.
New Hybrid Xuechang Sun model
I've taken delivery on the first new Hybridge 3/4 model from
Xuechang Sun, the 101 model. It features violin corners and
the same amazingly high quality tops
enjoyed by the models in the rest of the line. For a full set of photos and
complete description, please see the "Xuechang Sun" page.
In The Repair Shop
1930s German or Czech 5/8 Flatback
1930s German or Czech 3/4 Flatback
1940 American Standard
Handmade Doublebasses
I have a few nice professional grade handmade doublebasses in stock. The Kolstein
Lorenzo Carcassi model was exhibited at the 2003 ISB Convention and has been
played enough to develope as a very strong orchestral instrument. It is currently
the strongest arco bass in the shop. The 1999 Dominic Zuchowicz Montagnana
copy was my own bass for a few years before I sold it during the dotcom bust
of 2002. It has developed a very free, rich voice and functions beautifully
as either an orchestral or jazz instrument. The Andrew Pitts solo bass, a large
5/8 pattern desinged from a specific old italian bass, is a very responsive
bass designed for advanced solo arco technique. Noted San Francisco Bay Area
bassist Jim Kerwin used this instrument as a jumping off point to design a
slightly larger 5 string model with a high C string that Andrew Pitts completed
for him recently. Full descriptions and photos are found on the "Handmade
doublebasses" page.
Vintage American Plywood Basses
Returning to inventory is a great sounding very responsive 1939 American Standard.
With proper setup and a new ebony fingerboard by Matt Bohn, this great old bass
is ready to go for professional performance. For a complete set of photos and
a complete description, please see the "Vintage American
Plywood Basses" page.
GUITAR NEWS
Roy McAlister
Just appearing this week are a fine pair of custom Brazilian Rosewood instruments,
a C cutaway and a Dreadnought. A forced consignment sale means that these amazing
guitars are very attractively priced for a quick sale. For a full set of photos
and a complete description, please see the "Roy
Mcalister" page.
Rockbridge Guitars
The new Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce 12 Fret OOO has arrived. It
has the characteristic strong, clear voice afforded by the wood choices that
I
supplied and Rockbridge's careful voicing of the top and braces. For a full
set of photos and a complete description, please see the "Rockbridge" page.
In the Repair Shop
1951 Gibson Southern Jumbo
Vintage Gibson Guitars
A strong and bright 1936 Roy Smeck Stage De Luxe has come out
of conversion with Waverly tuners, a 1 7/8" nut width,
and an excellent neck angle, which provides great playability
at an easy playing action. For a full set of photos and a
complete description, please see the "Gibson" page.
Vintage Martin Guitars
I have traded for an April 1947 D-28 that was in another local
shop. With a new set of frets and a well-made replacement bridge
by Alan Perlman, this D-28 sounds and responds much better
than it did before. A nice bonus is the original hardshell
case. For a full set of photos and a complete description,
please see the "Vintage Martin" page
Martin after 1970
Just added to inventory is a very clean Ditson 111, a lightly
built 12 fret D-18 style guitar. For a full set of photos and
a complete description, please see the "Martin
After 1970" page.
Guitars by Other Builders
A new Merrill sunburst C-18 is on the sales floor. An
excellent example of Jim Merrill's current work, this guitar
is functionally as close to a mid-1930s Martin D-18 as you
are likely to find. For a full set of photos and a complete
description, please see the "Guitars
by Other Builders" page.
APPOINTMENT HOURS
I am in the shop six or seven days per week
when I'm not out on an occasional purchasing
trip or picking up doublebasses set up by
my luthiers in Sacramento or Felton. Please
set an appointment date and time with me
so that I will not be out on an errand when
you come by. It will also help me to restring
a doublebass or guitar in advance with your
preferred set of strings. I can often plan
to be here evenings or even on Sunday with
enough notice.
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