Czech Basses and where to buy

[Big Bullfiddler]

Hello,

I am playing double bass for 24 years now and it's about time for a good Czech bass. I will drive Prague next month. But only one day. Do you know some shops for good new or old double basses around 4000 euro?
I will be very gratefull for your help and information 'coz i don't wanna spend to much time looking around for shops.

Thanks,
Ron
Belgium

[bassist14]

hi ron
you can try this:
http://www.petrzdrazil.com/

[Big Bullfiddler]

I'm gonna check out a 1954 King Moreton in Germany one of these days, and it's a bargain!
I'm waiting for some pictures...
Ron

[MIKMAN]

Dear friend try the Atelier Paganini,in Spanielska St.,just behind the Prague State Opera. It is very easy to find it. This shop has a treasure of older and contemporary double basses in reasonable prices. The owner, mr Miroslav Bures, is a gentleman and quite helpfull. I bought three of my violins from thiw shop, real masterpieces from the 40's and 50's, paying less than what i expected.
There is another shop in Prague, placed near the old town's square, dealing with instruments in the violin family. I'll try to find the address and mail it. In this shop i found some old Strunals (fully carved) with good sustain, two old Juzeks and some other beauties from the Central European school. All of them were around 3-4 thousand euros.I found them in my last visit, four months ago.
I'll be back with the proper address.
Finally if you could visit Bratislava,in Slovakia, there is another treasure shop. If it is possible let me know to give you the whereabouts.
Michael

[riimodar]

Originally Posted by MIKMAN

try the Atelier Paganini,in Spanielska St.,

Hi, I live in Prague. I agree Atelier Paganini is the place to start, they usually have more then 10 instruments in the shop. AFAIK there is no other shop with a similar selection of DBs not only in Prague, but even nowhere in the Czech Republic. Other shops with limited selection of DBs (2-3 instruments):

Ceske hudebni nastroje, Saska 3/520 - Sasky dvur (the shop is a little tricky to find - the entrance is from the yard)

Hudebni nastroje Radek Bubrle, Naprstkova 10

Hudebni nastroje Daniel Berdych, Nekazanka 20

All the shops are in the center of the city, you can combine shopping with sightseeing.

The double bass market in the Czech Republic is mostly based on personal advertising, musicians sell used instruments directly, not through the shops.

Right now I am selling one of my basses. Fully carved modern instrument, probably built in Markneukirchen manufacture in East Germany circa 1975-1985 (no label). String lenght 105cm, body length 111cm, yelow/redish spirit varnish. No cracks, exceptionally easy to play in left hand - very good fingerboard/bridge setup. 3000 Euro.