This is a really unique bass with a beautiful sound. Although this bass has very generous proportions it is easy to play in the upper register due to it's long, narrow shape. The ribs are very deep while the front and back maintain a sort of gamba shape. Inside there is label that reads "Samuel Kolstein and Sons Ltd. Restoration 1983"
I had Kolstein write up an appraisal and the description is as follows.
"This Bass Violin is in our opinion of Dutch origin, made in Amsterdam, Holland circa 1960's. The instrument is a 7/8 size, gamba shaped, round back model bass violin. The top is a two piece sectional plate of medium vertical grain spruce. The back table is a two piece sectional plate with extremely high arching, made of moderately flamed maple. The ribs are of matching character two the back table. The neck and scroll are the original of slightly flamed maple. The gears are cadmium plated tuning gears. The instrument was set up for the modern school of steel string playing with attention compensating raised saddle. The color of the varnish is a deep rich amber. The instrument is in mint condition."
String Length 42 1/2
Body Length 44 3/4''
Upper Bout 20''
Center Bout 14 1/4
Width at lower Bout 25 3/8
Rib Depth 9 1/2
Asking $10,000 o.b.o.
Bonus side note! When I brought the bass into Barrie he instantly remembered the bass and told me that Arvell Shaw owned the bass for a couple of years in the mid 80's! Little bit of mojo for ya........
Dutch Double Bass pictures by ritchietime - Photobucket
