Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

January 1, 2020

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…

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…

July 21, 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…

July 5, 2019

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…

March 9, 2019

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…

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,…

October 10, 2018

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…

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…