Martin Ruggeri Double Bass for Sale
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.
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