Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

April 21, 2023

New Hand-carved Master Bass by Michael Asetta

Extending his skills beyond double bass performance, sales, and repairs, Mike has completed his first “Asetta Strings” bass. It sounds amazing and is used in many performances. This is the ultimate display of his skills and compilation of the finest materials available worldwide today. You can find no more dedicated craftsman anywhere. Mike Asetta, a…

April 6, 2023

Two basses undergoing intensive restoration: an early American example from the”Prescott family,” the second a busetto corner instrument, over 200 years old

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

March 3, 2023

Testore 18th century bass – rare and historic instrument

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…

July 15, 2022

Juzek restoration

Early Prague instrument, nearing final phases of work on a near 90 year-old instrument. Come and see it!

December 23, 2021

Lou DiLeone

We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of Lou DiLeone. His sensitivity to and comprehension of the natural and organic properties of the double bass instrument are unsurpassed. Lou also possessed a deep understanding and experience with the geometric properties impacting the tonal qualities and sound production of the double bass. His skills…

November 12, 2021

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…

October 21, 2021

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…

September 23, 2021

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…

September 3, 2021

Example Restoration Project: 1937 American Standard

A lengthy “top off” restoration of a historic instrument for a New York performer is Mike Asetta’s current restoration project. The instrument requiring attention is a rare American Standard double bass from 1937, the second year of production of these instruments by H. N. White Company. This instrument is the 273rd American Standard bass, built…

August 19, 2021

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,…