circa 2001-2002
Size: 3/4
String length: 41 1/2"
Price: $6,000, with extras
This fine contrabass was handmade in a small European workshop that does not mass-produce instruments. The craftsmanship is professional quality at an affordable price.
The bass features sloping shoulders that allow you easy access to the middle and upper registers. It has a warm tone and a wonderfully quick response that is even in all registers -- excellent for jazz, solo or orchestral playing!
The top is even-grained, quarter-sawn spruce; the neck, ribs and back are flamed, quarter-sawn maple; and the fingerboard is quality ebony. The instrument is tastefully varnished and has the appearance of a vintage instrument (but without nicks and scratches).
This bass was set up and sold to me by Chicago luthier Mark Sonksen. Click link to view photos:
http://www.sonksenstrings.com/ruchti.html
