Mirecourt beauty
This beautiful French-made double bass is a beautifully clean example of the work coming out of Mirecourt in the Vosges mountains, around the beginning of the 19th century. There are no labels or maker’s marks, but there are some repair-shop signatures inside.
The instrument is in immaculate condition; the transparent red-brown varnish is mostly original and internal repairs in its lifetime have been expertly done.
The top is made from good quality spruce with pronounced hazelficht “bear-claw” figure, and the original arching is undistorted. The back, ribs and neck are made from lightly-flamed maple. The scroll is original for four strings, with tuning machines typical of the period made of solid brass with iron handles, and they work smoothly. Setup is also excellent, with a manageable 42.5” string length and spectacular sycamore bridge with adjuster wheels. All fittings are of high quality ebony.
This is a fine, powerful double bass that will blend beautifully in orchestral use.