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A Double-Bass
This is the instrument I play in the Finnish Radio Symphony orchestra. Modern double-bass instruments are derived from the instrument family 'Violone', so it's not directly related to violin, cello or viola although it resembles them a lot. They built a lot of excellent instruments in the past, and this one (by unknown maker, probably one named Cook) is bigger than normal basses. It's over 2 meters high, the vibrating length of the string is 116 cm (in most basses it's about 106), and it sounds just wonderful. It was most likely made in England, and then it was used in South Africa in a theatre, then used in Sweden and from there transferred to Finland: I have played it almost 10 years now. It always made me wonder who could have played it in early 19th century (when it was done), as average length of people was a lot less then, and even now it needs a big guy to be able to play it comfortably. If there's anyone out there who recognizes this instrument, please write me all you know!
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photographer: Pekka Saarinen | shooting date: 02/15/01 | country: Finland | location: Helsinki | in gallery: Seven months with Canon G1 | categories: Music, Still Life, All | shutter speed: 1.3s | aperture: f/5 | ISO: 50 | lens: Canon G1 inbuilt lens @ 21mm (102mm in 35mm film SLR) | camera: Canon G1
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Viewer Comments
Looking at this bass again I notice something I didn't before. The inlaid Ebony arrows in the upper front corners. This is probably by Josef Rieger of Mittenwald, mid 19th century.
Anonymous
07/22/12
I think I recognise this bass , it once belonged to my bass teacher, Wolfgang Nitsch, who used it in Bloemfontein , South Africa. He then sold it to Nita Mocanu, a Romanian bass player who was at the time principal bass in the then Radio Orchestra in Johannesburg. He then left for Sweden from here and took the bass with him. I certainly remember the lion's head, as well as the extraordinary size of the instrument. Regards Nico Kruger Johannesburg
Nico Kruher , South Africa
08/03/08
Hi! Could you perhaps tell me in which theatre in South Africa your bass was used?
Cece , South Africa
02/25/07
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am 15 and in New Zealand, i play Flute, Cello and Double Bass at Grade 7 and that Double Bass is stunning! It reminds me of the one i played when i toured Germany with the Chamber Orchestra i LOVE it.
Anonymous , New Zealand
10/18/06
5 strings were quite common back then interestingly enough.
minimalist
04/30/06
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I think this is one of the best double bass photos I've seen! The contrast of straight and curved lines is beautiful!
Lora
07/05/05
Beautiful looking Bass. If you can email me some better pictures, I would be glad to help Identify it closer. This is the Format I use for Bass Pics.. http://www.kensmithbasses.com/DoubleBasses/MartiniBass/martini_bass_2.htm more here; http://www.kensmithbasses.com/DoubleBasses/double_basses.htm By the way, those chairs that also hold the bass.. Where do you get them?.. I saw the Philly Orchestra with them and would love to get one.
Ken Smith , United States
04/24/05
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Great script!
Anonymous
02/26/05
its absolutly brilliant!!!!!!!
Anonymous
08/27/04
i think the photo was pretty crap how about have it standing up or something better i am a huge double bass fan and it really did'nt cut it!
Anonymous
08/27/04