I'm just back from my long overdue trip to Mittenwald with my Poellmann Cremona.
2500 miles return trip including a car ferry and the channel tunnel.
It was an effort, but I believe in living your dreams when you can and I'm glad I did it.
Mittenwald is a picturesque Bavarian town, 900m above sea level in the Alps.
I went walking and swam in the lakes surrounded by beautiful virgin forest and snow capped Alps while waited. Many locals wear lederhosen and traditional gear.
I had arranged in advance with Michael (Mike) Kramer, who seemed genuinely pleased to see me. I've met Mike before on several occasions and he helped arrange an Hotel.
I wanted my bass checked, serviced, tail wire changed, sound post checked, finger board shot, tuners cleaned and lubricated, varnish touched up and Moser flexible bridge adjusters inserted. The workshop is very neat and tidy. Michael starts work at 7am each morning which is when he wanted to meet me. I made it for 9!
My bass was made by Michael 15 years ago and has aged remarkably well. There were no major issues and he had all this work finished by mid morning the next day.
I was delighted with the result, very neat, tidy and professional. He did adjust the sound post, but it was fine.
When Michael installed the tuners, rather than remove a 7mm section from each leg of the bridge, he cut the legs and removed the 7mm from the top where the strings ride.
Michael prefers this method as it improves volume and give an easier bow response if that's what you want. He did give me a choice, but I went with his recommendation.
I was pleased with the very reasonable fee I was charged out of respect for my long journey. Michael's enthusiasm, knowledge and confidence in what he does is inspiring.
A very impressive guy who simply does not have enough hours in the day to match his boundless energy. I would do the same again if I need more work done!
2500 miles return trip including a car ferry and the channel tunnel.
It was an effort, but I believe in living your dreams when you can and I'm glad I did it.
Mittenwald is a picturesque Bavarian town, 900m above sea level in the Alps.
I went walking and swam in the lakes surrounded by beautiful virgin forest and snow capped Alps while waited. Many locals wear lederhosen and traditional gear.
I had arranged in advance with Michael (Mike) Kramer, who seemed genuinely pleased to see me. I've met Mike before on several occasions and he helped arrange an Hotel.
I wanted my bass checked, serviced, tail wire changed, sound post checked, finger board shot, tuners cleaned and lubricated, varnish touched up and Moser flexible bridge adjusters inserted. The workshop is very neat and tidy. Michael starts work at 7am each morning which is when he wanted to meet me. I made it for 9!
My bass was made by Michael 15 years ago and has aged remarkably well. There were no major issues and he had all this work finished by mid morning the next day.
I was delighted with the result, very neat, tidy and professional. He did adjust the sound post, but it was fine.
When Michael installed the tuners, rather than remove a 7mm section from each leg of the bridge, he cut the legs and removed the 7mm from the top where the strings ride.
Michael prefers this method as it improves volume and give an easier bow response if that's what you want. He did give me a choice, but I went with his recommendation.
I was pleased with the very reasonable fee I was charged out of respect for my long journey. Michael's enthusiasm, knowledge and confidence in what he does is inspiring.
A very impressive guy who simply does not have enough hours in the day to match his boundless energy. I would do the same again if I need more work done!
