Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

March 8, 2019

Testore 18th century bass – producing a copy!

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…

February 27, 2019

Restoring two Juzeks – each approaching 90 years of age and sound amazing!

These Czech made basses are favored by a number of today’s top double bass performers. Upon completion both instruments will be offered for sale. If you are interested in a fine European bass made between the two World Wars please inquire. Given their ages and superb pedigree, these are desirable instruments. Email mike@mikeasetta.com or call…

February 13, 2019

Wood Selection

Scouring Europe for alpine spruce and hard maple, exceptional quality wood for repair projects and new double basses! We are off to Germany next month, returning 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 generations…

February 8, 2019

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 1, 2019

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…

September 28, 2018

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…

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…