Michael Asetta - String instrument sales and repairs

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…

September 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…

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…

November 6, 2016

New Hand-carved Master Bass by Michael Asetta

Extending his skills beyond double bass performance, sales, and repairs, Mike is nearing completion of his first Asetta Strings bass. 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 professional performer, knows exactly how a bass should…

November 2, 2016

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…

January 3, 2016

Current 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…

July 3, 2015

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,…

June 29, 2015

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…