Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

August 10, 2018

Zakopcanik – Master Craftsman

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

August 7, 2018

BOWS, BOWS, BOWS…………

July 26, 2018

Restoration Project – completed and living anew, then sold!!

Complete re-build of 1971 Gotz round-back bass. Began with only bass body, hand carved new neck, grafted old scroll to neck, set neck to body, refinishing as needed. Soon another great bass ready for you to take home – and she was sold, revived and living again! Maker labeled: Conrad Gotz 1971 West Germany “Model…

July 18, 2018

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…

July 13, 2018

Kay Basses

Kay Double Bass – an iconic symbol of America’s creative greatness – innovative designs to meet the burgeoning demand of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. In those decades, mastering a musical instrument was a talent enjoyed and respected by the majority of Americans. Live Big Band music was omnipresent: Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington,…

February 25, 2018

Testore 18th century bass – status update – owner will reunite, now off-sales market

Extraordinary 1/2 size double bass attributed to the Testore family makers of Milan, Italy. An heirloom instrument, the age was ascribed to the first half of the 18th century. Coloration is identified with the makers: brown varnish over a yellow base. Originally a three string bass – three tuning gears are matching with the fourth…

January 31, 2018

Oh the weather outside is frightful, for the bass it is NOT delightful…….

Changes in humidity may have a severe impact on any acoustic double bass! Especially at risk are fully carved instruments – the method of constructing the finest new and vintage instruments. Durability is designed into laminated basses with crisscrossed layers and overlapping grain patterns. Working musicians active in snowy climates face the added danger of…

January 29, 2018

Paris – Incredible Instruments, Luthiers, and Priceless Antiques

Exploring the workshops of numerous luthiers along world famous music street, Rue de Rome Paris, Mike Asetta was favorably impressed with the incredibly high quality of repairs performed by Jean Bejuy. Jean’s approachable style also made the stop at his workshop the most enjoyable and educational destination of the numerous luthiers and music shops in…

January 18, 2018

Concerts

Although a classically trained musician and graduate of Yale School of Music, Michael discovered jazz was how he expresses his musical voice. Music samples and event updates are at asettamusic.com. Mike served in the United States Air Force Band, was stationed in Germany, and toured with the Air Force Jazz Ambassadors. Asetta also covered the…

December 27, 2017

Select European Instruments – 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…