Historically Informed Performance Bass Options

[PRUNEFACE]

Im looking at this for more of a hypothetical thing, as I currently have no need to own a period instrument. While I am working with a local symphony to establish a period group everything is far from definite at this point. I am posting this threa because there seems to be little on the subject. I am posting a copy of an email I sent to a period specialist and would like y'alls response.
1.) What would you recommend for a general purpose period instrument? I realize it is impossible to play the EXACT instrument intended by the composer for every single piece, but I want to be as close as possible. If I wanted to focus on post-Renaissance baroque and classical period music, but could only purchase/rent one instrument, would your recommend a.) a*double bass strung with gut strings b.) a D violone c.) a G violone or d.) a Viennese tuned violone/double bass
2.) I am currently working with the <name redacted> Symphony's marketing and development with regards to establishing a HIP ensemble with their support, economically (providing either pay for the musicians OR if an educational ensemble, providing a venue) and with some of their musicians as performers. This is still in the early planning stages, but what would you think of as reasonable to ask for with regards to establishing an ensemble like this?

I also have recieved a response from Mr Jerry Fuller from an initial inquiry that I might post if I get his permission.

[PaulCannon]

http://christianlaborie.com/english/baroques.html

Very finely crafted period instruments there. Probably out of your hypothetical price range. There are a few makers, mostly in Europe, that have major reputations in the HIP community.

I don't know enough to make any real suggestions, though I know plenty of HIP bassists who play a modern double bass with gut strings and period bow.

[Jason Sypher]

You need to contact Joelle Morton. Google her, she's got a website.

[PRUNEFACE]

Just sent Morton an email. Will also ask them if I can post their response on here.

A third question:
WHERE (a specific maker, store etc.) would I find a violone at a "reasonable" price, considering that it would be my first one?

[LeslieD]

FYI. This is from the TB classified archives from last October (I don't know if it's still available):

Violone for sale (contrabass viola da gamba)

[PRUNEFACE]

Yeah that one is up on classifieds everywhere

[eerbrev]

http://www.earlybass.com/

This is a great resource as well.

[PRUNEFACE]

I used earlybass for learning to play continuo appropriately

[PRUNEFACE]

Getting quite a bit of interesting information. I believe Dr. Morton has a consultation fee -which is not a problem, but at this point I would rather wait to have a definite group set up in need of a violone before setting up an appointment.

[PRUNEFACE]

"The key instrument I recommend is a double bass set up with gut strings. That will be the most versatile instrument and you can string it up in Viennese tuning as well for repertoire like Dittersdorf. Then I wold look into a Violone that can be strung up either as a D instrument or a g instrument. I would check Dominik Zuchowicz's web site. Ideally you could purchase a baroque bass, a Viennese Violone, a g Violone and a D Violone but that gets very expensive, so I recommend the route I proposed earlier. Hope this helps."
-from a major period performer, waiting to hear back from him for his permission to put his name to this quote

Any comments in agreement or disagreement?

EDIT: Here is the same performer's response to my question of "Would a vienese, a g or d violone be most versatile in a historical performance ensemble? Which would, in your opinion, be most likely to have appeared in most of the early(er) music written?"

His response:
"Of the 3 instruments you mention, the viennese would likely be most versatile because of all the 18th century music it would be appropriate for.
The g violone probably was the most often used bass instrument in 17th century music especially for smaller groups, while the d Violone was played in the larger ensembles of the 17th century."
-the performer

EDIT: Got "the performer's" permission to post his name. It was Mr. Jerry Fuller. He really is a wealth of knowledge.

[Schoolhouse]

I am prejudiced because it's been a passion of mine for decades. The Viennese basses date from the high Baroque and have all that classical literature written with them in mind. They were found in the churches, courts, and orchestras around Vienna. In my opinion they are the most modern double bassist friendly.

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by Schoolhouse

I am prejudiced because it's been a passion of mine for decades. The Viennese basses date from the high Baroque and have all that classical literature written with them in mind. They were found in the churches, courts, and orchestras around Vienna. In my opinion they are the most modern double bassist friendly.

you use the tuning, the instrument (ie. gut frets) or both?

[benharrisfan]

The most versatile period bass would be a four string bass tuned in fourths, E-A-D-G, like a modern bass. You can use it for virtually any repertoire that would have been played by various violones. Keep in mind that violones tuned in G and D are really viols and with the frets and gamba bow hold (palm out) it's going to require a different technique. The D violone was a pretty rare instrument, I can only think of Banchierei and Praetorius that mention it in the 17th century, so that leaves the violone in G which is an instrument that probably played at the 8 foot range with occasional octave transpositions into the 16 foot range.