I bought this bass in 2008 about two weeks after it was strung up for the first time and proceeded to play it through college and grad school, as well as on numerous professional gigs in jazz situations, orchestras, musical pits, music festivals, and more. I mention this because this bass has a great, clear acoustic sound, amplifies well, and generally is complemented for its bright, musical tone in every situation I've used it in. Excellent projection in the high register. No problems at all with it, with the exception of a seam on the lower bout that's opened up a total of 3 times, and a nick in the varnish on the back. Since buying it I had Bill Merchant add a low C extension, had it re-setup with a new bridge by Jay Vandekopple, added standard tailpiece and endpin (the Kolstein hardware was too heavy), and added a Fishman full circle pickup. I will also include a Soundwear case purchased in 2012 and Kolstein bass bib.
This bass is made from a two piece Spruce top, a two piece popular back with matching poplar sides, and a lightly flamed maple neck with ebony fingerboard. The C extension is made from maple and ebony matching that of the neck. It is currently strung with Flexocore Deluxe strings, which I have found to be optimal on this bass. It was designed and made jointly by Kolstein's shop in in New York and the Pavolny Violin shop in The Czech Republic.
I will sell this instrument in its current condition for $8,500, or any reasonable offer.
Measurements:
Overall Body Length 43 1/4" 109.9 cm
Width across the upper bout : 19 1/2 " 49.5 cm
Width across the center bout 15 " 38.1cm
Width across the lower bout: 26 1/8" 66.4 cm
Mensure : 40.5"
All things considered, this is a wonderful instrument that's served me well for the last 5 years. I wish I could hang on to it, but I'm upgrading instruments and just don't have the money, space, or need for two basses.
See and hear this bass in action on my website in the video section at:
http://www.emilioguarino.com/?page_id=9 first clip is in orchestra tuning and the second clip is in solo tuning and I'm using the same bow for both recordings.
