Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

December 27, 2014

Strunal: String Instruments of Luby (Czech)

An exclusive selection of European double basses hand-picked by Mike Asetta is available in the Asetta String showroom today, these include hybrid and fully carved instruments, exceptionally crafted Czech string instruments produced from rare, unusual, and spectacular woods. The western Czech village of Luby on the German border, in the historic regions of western Bohemia and…

December 22, 2014

Lou DiLeone

Mentor and friend, finest double bass craftsman, of world renown and still sought by the most exceptional bass players in the New York metropolitan area, Lou DiLeone: With a reputation for providing superior workmanship, even perfection, while radiating with his love of the double bass instrument, a myriad of internationally famous bass players have sought…

December 18, 2014

Double Bass Strings – Pirastro!

Strings – Subjective and individual decision, complicated by extensive choices – brands and materials! Testing the variety of possibilities is nearly cost prohibitive, relying on reviews and web forums a trusted technique. With nearly 4 decades of performing experience, luthier Michael Asetta has done extensive research and trials AND visited the leading manufacturers in Europe…

Bows viewed in the Asetta Strings display

December 17, 2014

BOWS, BOWS, BOWS…………

Seeking the perfect bow? You are encouraged to visit and experience firsthand the wide selection available in the Connecticut showroom of Mike Asetta. You may choose from over 50 expertly made bows for double basses imported directly from South America and Europe. Offering both German and French models, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,500,…

December 10, 2014

Zakopcanik – Master Craftsman

Mike Asetta is honored to count as a friend one of the finest double bass makers in the world today: Frantisek Zakopcanik. Zakopcanik has extensive recognition in Europe; entering international instrument contests in Italy in 1976 and 1979, competing against makers with the training provided at the finest European schools. His prizes include a…

January 1, 2014

Superb bass by Czech Master – Jaroslav Lavicka

Master bass “Grancino” 2001 by Czech maker Jaroslav Lavicka – simply a “must see” gorgeous bass with both vertical and horizontal striping in the spectacular maple back. Schooled in Luby, Czech, then apprenticed to the violin makers in this region, Jaroslav, who also plays the violin, specializes in the making of the Grancino model. Prior…

January 1, 2014

French double bass – historic Barbé

Incredible sounding, pristine French double bass crafted in the first half of the nineteenth century. Attributed to Jacques Barbé of Avalon, France, the maker was educated by the Mirecourt instrument makers. This instrument is a viol model, following traditional principles. The flat back has a gradual taper in the upper bouts, it has no bend…

November 29, 2013

European crafted double bass by Josef Budil

Great sounding masterfully crafted viol shaped double bass, by Czech maker Josef Budil. Schooled in Luby, Czech, then apprenticed to the violin makers in this region of Czech Republic and Germany where the main industry in this area for centuries is string instrument making. Budil is dedicated to the double bass as both a player…

November 29, 2013

The soundpost is a simple transmitter, hundreds of years before radio it was broadcasting sound. How can a short, round, wood post make much of a difference to my string instrument?

Lets review how the soundpost works! The player initiates the sound by vibrating the string either through arco or pizzicato (bowed or plucked) methods. The string transfers the vibration, directing it through the bridge. The bridge extends the vibration to the instrument’s top. The top, like a pond of once still water, expands the vibrations…

August 22, 2013

Early American “Yankee” bass or “Precott family” – Two basses undergoing intensive restoration

Meticulous work underway with the goal of returning two centuries old instruments to playable condition for today’s performance specifications. One is a half size instrument, a beautiful example of the unique construction techniques practiced by the early “bass viol” makers in the Concord New Hampshire area. The second appears to be a perfect twin to…

Michael Asetta – String instrument sales and repairs