Bohemian Bass ca. 1890

If you are looking to set both tonal and aesthetic accents either on stage or in the orchestra pit, this double bass offers the happy advantage of being able to cover both criteria completely.

It is highly probable that this “great” jewel was built in Schönbach, the cradle of Bohemian violin making, around 1890-1900. Accordingly, this instrument possesses all the typical characteristics of a genuine Bohemian double bass.
It has a high arched top made of selected spruce wood of very wide growth, which is intended to provide better transmission of the low frequencies.
The relatively wide ribs, the flat back, which in those days already was angled upwards for better playing comfort, as well as the neck with its finely carved scroll and peg box, from which the characteristic wooden pegs of the tuning machines protrude, are made of fine-pored maple wood.
Connoisseurs will also immediately recognise the Schönbach school in its tonal qualities; a direct, precise and loud response, a round, full and deep sound in the lower and middle registers, which becomes more and more mid-toned and singing in the higher registers.

The only point where this double bass breaks out of the traditional pattern (much to its advantage) is its wonderfully luminous and amber-coloured varnish. Although the varnish has taken a bit of a wear in the past 130 years, it has developed a beautiful patina, making this bass an even more individual and interesting beauty.