Bohemian Double Bass by Anton Lutz, Schönbach anno 1878
It really is very unusual to find a Bohemian double bass of this sort of quality and age. At one time this instrument was played by a Major (Russian civil service rank) in the orchestra of the Prague State Opera. When its owner fled to the UK during the uprising of 1968 (The Prague Spring) the instrument gained him a position in the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra where he was to stay for 4 years. It then partnered its owner in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for a further fifteen years. Of all the instruments featured on this web site this instrument really has the most fascinating story to tell.
In terms of making, provenance and sound this is a very special instrument indeed.
In terms of price, its about half of what you would expect to pay for an equivalent English instrument.
Stats:
LOB (length of back) - 114.0cm (44.87in)
Width across upper bouts - 52.8cm (20.75in)
Width across middle bouts - 40.6cm (16.00in)
Width across lower bouts - 69.3cm (27.26in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates - 20.8cm (8.20in)
Body Stop - 60.4cm (23.75in)
String length - 105.5cm (41.50in)
Reference number #2880