Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

February 25, 2018

New to market – Testore 18th century bass

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…

December 23, 2017

French double bass – historic Barbé

Incredible sounding, pristine French double bass crafted in the first half of the nineteenth century. Attributed to Jacques Barbé of Avalon, France, the maker was educated by the Mirecourt instrument makers. This instrument is a viol model, following traditional principles. The flat back has a gradual taper in the upper bouts, it has no bend…

October 9, 2017

Restoration Project: soon to join bass sale inventory

Complete re-build of 1971 Goetz round-back bass. Began with bass body only, 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! Restoration progresses steadily with priority always given to customer repair work. Inquiries invited, please contact Mike at 860-685-1621…

August 19, 2017

Lou DiLeone

Mentor and friend, finest double bass craftsman, of world renown and still sought by the most exceptional bass players in the New York metropolitan area, Lou DiLeone. Still sharing his skill today, this nonagenarian remains vital and active. Working with Mr. DiLeone this summer of 2017, Mike and Lou prepared this new neck to graft…

July 10, 2017

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…

February 27, 2017

European crafted double bass by Josef Budil

Great sounding masterfully crafted viol shaped double bass, by Czech maker Josef Budil. Schooled in Luby, Czech, then apprenticed to the violin makers in this region of Czech Republic and Germany where the main industry in this area for centuries is string instrument making. Budil is dedicated to the double bass as both a player…