Pairs well with
Pairs well with
The English Double Bass
The Text
Valuable research has been conducted on the double bass makers of England. This work focuses on double basses crafted by English artisans during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. It features detailed profiles of 40 double bass makers and uncovers information about their lives that has never before been researched or revealed.
The introduction outlines the economic, political, and musical context that contributed to the rise and decline of double bass makers. Key events such as the Restoration of the monarchy, the Glorious Revolution, and the accession of Hanoverian Prince George to the British throne all played significant roles in shaping this backdrop. Additionally, the arrival of George Frederick Handel in London and the influence of double bass virtuoso Domenico Dragonetti greatly impacted both the design and popularity of the double bass.
The Photography
With 766 images across the 526 pages of The English Double Bass, high quality photography was paramount. Many instrument pictures were acquired over time, with some on large-format 5x4 transparencies. These had to be digitised and colour-corrected by the authors before printing.
The photography production process was a significant aspect of the work involved in producing The English Double Bass. Even with modern digital photography, careful colour retouching was essential to ensure the colour of each instrument was as true to the original as possible. The end result now enables off-the-page comparison of different instruments by researchers, museum curators, auctioneers, luthiers and valuers who will be able to use the work for future study.
The Authors
Thomas Martin, George Martin & Martin Lawrence
Co-authors Thomas Martin, George Martin and Martin Lawrence first conceived The English Double Bass through a shared fascination and admiration for the English double basses of the 18th and 19th Century. All three are world-renowned respected double bass makers, repairers and restorers.
As string-instrument family professionals, all three have been privileged to see and hold many fine double basses as they have passed through their hands over the years. In addition, Tom has played fine English double basses throughout his career as a musician.
Following a series of articles commissioned by The Strad, and inspired by the BVMA’s seminal work The British Violin, Tom, George and Martin conceived a fine-art book. The trio’s collective vision was to showcase high quality pictures of the best examples of each maker’s work with a biography to set the context. This is the first in a series of books that the authors are intending on producing, their vision is for a full set of double bass books covering the instruments
made in different regions.
Reviews
Fantastic
— Martin Penning, United Kingdom"I waited with much anticipation for the publication of The English Double Bass. It has been extensively researched with many examples from the great makers. The images are terrific and it`s fantastic to have so much background on the folks that made these wonderful instruments during the golden period in British bass making. A great workshop aid for makers and a terrific reference for enthusiasts."
Magnificent
— Stefano Pio, Italy"A magnificent book destined to remain a milestone in the history of the double bass. The research that animated it has been scrupulous: the book is comparable to the major compendia of violinmaking that until now were generally excluding the double bass. The gap with the other bowed instruments has been finally filled."
Very informative
— Tim Ingles, United Kingdom"Very informative, with lots of useful biographical information and plenty very interesting examples. The fact that it includes some obscure makers like Valentine, Devereux and Calow is an added bonus. The images are great, with some good bonus shots of labels, brands and details. Altogether a fine addition to the library, and nicely produced!"
Must have
— Barrie Kolstein, United States of America"Upon receipt of my copy of The English Double Bass, the presentation of packaging completely impressed me. However, once reading and studying the actual contents of this book, I was totally taken by the depth and completeness of content, the magnitude of this project and the presentation of this most important reference book, inside and out. This work is and will always be regarded as perhaps the most definitive studies of the English Double Bass History. It is truly a “must have” publication for any serious luthier and serious Bassist to enjoy and use as a learning and reference guide. Bravo to my dear friends, Tom, George and Martin in bringing this masterful work to fruition. With much admiration and thanks."
Excellent
— David Rattray, United Kingdom"Congratulations to Thomas Martin, Martin Lawrence and George Martin on producing a comprehensive work on the English double bass. Here, this revered school has received the definitive treatment. The comfortable format, excellent images and concise notes make this volume a welcome addition to any luthier or musicians’ library."
Extraordinary
— Ignazio Sanfilippo, Italy"Here is the first book ever published about the double bass with this extraordinary quality of material, photos and content. The most charming features of this work is probably the numerous wonderful and high-definition photos of the instruments, but the detailed research on the lives and works of the master double bass makers has a great value and enrich the reading too. From my point of view, a must for all violin makers and in particular, for those specialized in the double bass. A big-sized book for a big-sized instrument!"
The Italian Double Bass
Volume I
The Introduction
The introduction will contain approximately 200 pages of text, enriched with supporting images, maps, and iconography, designed to guide readers in exploring the origins of the double bass, which emerged in Brescia, Italy, in the mid-to-late 1500s. In this volume, we will examine the musical necessity for a large bass instrument such as the double bass and its role within ensembles at a time when a revolution in stringed instrument making was happening towards the end of the Sixteenth Century.
There is a considerable discussion about the early terminology used to describe these early instruments, including the double bass, other bass instruments and the violone. Much of the existing information is inaccurate and lacks a foundation in well-documented archival research. Our aim is to take readers on a journey that uncovers the very beginnings of the double bass and traces its evolution into the instrument we recognise today.
Volume I & II
The Makers
The two volumes dedicated to Italian double bass makers will have over 1,000 pages, featuring approximately 100 makers. After five years of meticulous archival research, we have compiled profiles of important makers known for their contributions to the double bass. This extensive collection will showcase more than 200 double basses in large format, accompanied by photographs of violins, violas, and cellos to help readers better understand these instruments.
Throughout our research, we were surprised to discover the amount of inaccurately documented information regarding many of these makers. Our goal is to highlight the contributions of those who may not be well-known in the violin world but are important for double basses. Additionally, we aim to rectify the considerable misattribution that persists within the double bass community by providing a comprehensive reference book that details the authentic works of the esteemed Italian double bass makers.
The Makers Include
Amati, Antoniazzi, Arienti, Bajoni, Baldantoni, Bandini, Bargelli, Bedocchi, Bellarosa, Bellosio, Bergonzi, Berte, Bertolotti 'da Salò', Betti, Bissolotti, Bodio, Bracci, Busan, Calcagno, Carcassi, Carletti, Casalini, Casini, Castellani, Castelli, Cavalli, Cavallini, Cavani, Ceruti, Chiericato, Corain, Corbucci, Corsi, Cristofori, De Micheli, Del Piana, Digiuni, Dionelli, Dodi, Dollenz, Farina, Farotto, Ferrarotti, Gagliano, Goffriller, Gotti, Grancino, Guadagnini, Lacchini, Landolfi, Leonori, Lori, Lorio, Loveri, Maggini, Mandelli, Marchetti, Marcolongo, Marconcini, Marcucci, Marsigliese, Martini, Meneghesso, Minotti, Montagnana, Muncher, Muschietti, Noiriel, Pallotta, Panormo, Pareschi, Passetti, Pedrazzini, Pedrinelli, Piattellini, Postacchini, Pressenda, Raffo, Rastelli, Rivolta, Rocca, Rogeri, Ronchini, Rossi, Ruggeri, Santagiuliana, Scrollavezza, Serafin, Sgarbi, Signorini, Spalletti, Storioni, Tarantino, Testore, Ugar, Ventepane.
The Photography
The Italian Double Bass features approximately 1,400 images spread across three volumes, making high-quality photography essential. The authors have gathered numerous pictures of instruments all across the world over the years, collecting a significant portion of these images from universities, museums, and conservatories throughout Italy.
The photography production process has been a vital part of creating The Italian Double Bass. Even with modern digital photography, meticulous colour retouching has been crucial to ensure that each instrument's colour accurately reflects the original. The final result will allow researchers, museum curators, auctioneers, luthiers, and appraisers to conduct off-the-page comparisons of different instruments, aiding them in future studies.
The Authors
Thomas Martin & George Martin
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