Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

November 24, 2021

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…

November 16, 2021

Coming soon – satellite workshop in Newport RI

Live music – steadily returning to enrich our lives! Grand events are scheduled and eager lovers of music are flocking to ticket sales for Newport Rhode Island’s classical Music Festival and the world renowned Newport Jazz Festival. Removed from travel opportunities, we chose to acquire a new place of our own to safely visit during…

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…

November 3, 2021

Testore 18th century bass – rare historic instrument available NOW!

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…

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…

October 6, 2021

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…

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,…

August 13, 2021

Wood Selection

Scouring Europe for alpine spruce and hard maple, exceptional quality wood for repair projects and new double basses – as soon as COVID subsides we will return to the home of string instrument’s finest tonewood – the Bavarian Alps. European spruce grows on the upper slopes of the Alps and harvested by traditions practiced for…