The Ruggieri Double Bass

Several years ago now we were asked by the Dutch player, John Van Lierop, to make a copy of his Vincenzo Ruggieri bass. He needed a five stringer for his Orchestra. I had sold him the original a few years before — a real Cremonese masterpiece from around 1695. It probably had 'cello like shoulders originally and was cut down by the English player/connoisseur Edward Stansfield. It was very playable for a big bass (29"/74cm across the bottom) with a string length of 42" (106.5cm). I've put a photo of the original with this article.

The resulting copy was such a big success that we began to get orders for the copies. It is now one of our best-selling double basses. It combines playability and response with a really huge sound. Although the original had a flat back, it sounds very well with a round back and Italian poplar (the material of choice of so many fine Italian makers) seems to suit it very well. It makes a great four or five stringed instrument and examples are now in a number of top orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra.

Click on the photos to enlarge

Pictured above are two Ruggieri model basses which went recently to the Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla y Leon in Spain. One is a five string and the other a four stringer with a mechanical extension. They are made in flamed Italian poplar.

More photos of the Ruggieri Double Bass

Click on the photos to enlargeOriginalOriginalViol Model (Front)Viol Model (back)Viol Model (side)