Kolstein Carcassi

[Erik Turkman]

For sale is a Kolstein Carcassi model bass made in New York by Barrie Kolstein. It has a powerful dark Italian sound, suitable for orchestral section playing. It is a 7/8 size, but, because of the sloping shoulders, it is very playable, especially in the upper registers, fitting for modern full range techniques. String length is 41 5/8 inches. The top is slab cut fir and the back is slab cut willow. This model bass is being used by prof. James VanDemark (Eastman School of Music) and in fine orchestras across the country. This bass would be especially good for someone taking auditions, already holding an orchestral position, or for someone who has a vintage bass but needs a younger bass for touring. Bassists who play classical and jazz might also find this bass appealing because of its easily playable shape; however, it is currently set up for orchestral playing.

This particular bass was made for the 2003 International Society of Bassists Convention and is labeled accordingly. As such, it is a very fine, exhibition quality, example of this model. It is currently fitted with an adjustable bridge and a Kolstein adjustable tailpiece. Sale includes bow quiver, bib, and quality cover. This bass is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, about half way between San Francisco and San Jose. I greatly prefer a local sale/pickup. I might consider shipping it if the buyer were to make all shipping arrangements and pay related costs. I am the original owner and have all related paperwork. It was last appraised at $32,000. I am asking $26,000. Please contact me by email (not private messaging) for any inquiries. Basses of this quality are difficult to find on the west coast. I don’t expect it will be available for long. This is truly a career quality instrument. Feel free to tell your bassist friends in the SF bay area about this bass’s availability. Email: mowgli (at) simplecom (dot) net.

[Erik Turkman]

I've had some inquiries, but no one has committed to the bass as yet. I thought I'd respond to some common questions.

Would this be a good jazz bass?

It certainly could be, especially if you like a more traditional sound. I've never tried it with gut strings, but they might work on it. The sloping shoulders make it easy to get around on. I don't play jazz on it myself, but that's because I have other good basses that are set up specifically for jazz, and, quite honestly, the places where I tend to play jazz aren't the kinds of places where I like to take a bass of this quality and value. If you were seriously interested in the bass, and you wanted to play jazz on it, I would consider setting it up with some Spirocores and changing the action as needed.

How does it compare to similarly shaped models from other makers?

I've played a couple of the Romanian made (Wultur) Carcassi style basses, and, while the shape is similar, that's about it. The sound of this Kolstein Carcassi is deep, rich, and powerful. It is really an instrument that you could play your whole career on. There's a reason why this model can be found in the sections of several major orchestras, right alongside vintage Italian and English basses.

RE: Kolstein Adjustable Tailpiece

I realize that the Kolstein adjustable tailpiece is not for everyone. I haven't noticed any problems with it, but, if desired, there's no reason why you couldn't change the tailpiece to something else. I'm not, however, inclined to change it before a sale.

Feel free to send me email if you have any questions. I'd be happy to show it if you are in the Bay Area.

[Francois Blais]

Doing some forum cleanup.
Still for sale?

Regards,
François
TB mod

[Francois Blais]

Did you ever consider putting it on consignment at Barrie's shop?

Best regards,
François

[Phil Rowan]

Also try the ISB classifieds if you haven't already.