This thread may be of some interest to those (aspiring)
left handed southpaw bassists who are looking for (info on) a
quality handmade left handed double basses. Feel free to contact me if you belong to this rare species of left handed bassists who would like more info.
If you are an electric bassist (like I was once myself), chances are that you never go back once you' ve been there, so beware
Since 2002 I have lived through the complete process (together with the instrument maker) of prospecting, deciding, designing and even chosing the woods, so I can give you plenty of detailed advice on buying or making a lefthanded double bass. Most (European) luthiers do make lefthanded double basses at no extra charge, but prices are considerably high (+17500 up to 25000 euros). I was able to afford mine because I had not to pay VAT at the time and was able to buy the quality timber at a reasonable price. The instrument maker had just finished her schooling and so the price was reasonable. So go search one for yourself and you will benefit from starters' advantages. It took us 3 years to complete the instrument and since then, the sound has 'matured' considerably. What helps is a formal teaching of course: I just finished my academic graduation in classical double bass, which is very effective for a person like myself whose aspiration or interest lies predominantly with jazz and contemporary music .
Do not trust the so called 'factory built' DB's, although there could be a decent instrument among those.
My upright is more or less based on a Vincenzo Panormo-model, but has some alterations: round back (deeper bass) and a string length of only 104.5 mm (for better playability)
It is quite large, but as I am quite large myself it does not bother me. It is fitted with an adjustable bridge, which works well for both classical (higher action) or jazz (lower action). I've included this picture while sound checking prior to a classical concert.
