Reviews

Why have I never seen a Chamber bass by Kennedy before? Thomas Kennedy was born in London in 1784 - so in terms of age he would have been 35 when he made this instrument. Kennedy died in 1870 at the age of 86 (a phenomenal age for the era) - so this instrument most certainly represents some of his earliest work. It is estimated that Kennedy made around 50 instruments in total. As to how many of these were of the chamber model it is unclear. The Contrabass Shoppe has previously sold a flat back example - also and most...

Big bass. Yes - this is one of those magnificent instruments with the rounded or "Busetto" type lower corners in the style of Mathias Klotz (1653-1743) that are quite awesome in every aspect. With a length of back (LOB) measurement of 118.3cm - this really is a true 5/4-size instrument. Is the string length big as well? No. Even though this is about as big an instrument as one will find - it is still very playable due to the fact that The Contrabass Shoppe has fitted a stunning "slim-feel" neck that provides a string length of only 105.4 cm....

We are looking for a good 5-string instrument but there doesn't seem to be many available on the market - can you tell me why? Yes - there really aren't that many good five string instrument about simply because there aren't that many instruments available that have the correct proportions and structural integrity to be able to handle the fifth string and those lower notes. It's just no good whacking a five string neck on a standard sized 4/4 size instrument and expect it to produce the goods. What would make the ideal 5-string instrument then? How about this magnificent...

Tell me about this instrument The basses from the Hill family are some of the earliest, finest and most noble of all English instruments. This instrument is of viol outline with flat back and upper angle break. The back and ribs are of well figured maple with an almost horizontal medium flame. The table is of two pieces of fine to medium-fine spruce with flanks at the edges of the bouts. Is there a maker's label? Unfortunately there is not. The work is however very typical of his output and there are many characteristics in the work that support the...