Large German Flatback Bass attr. Mittenwald

Mittenwald Full Size Orchestra Bass

Dimensions:
Upper Bout: 21 ¾ inches
Lower Bout: 28 ¼ inches
Rib Depth: 8 ½ inches
String Length: 42 ½ inches

This Mittenwalder bass is a top pick as an orchestra section bass for a strong bassist. While the dimensions of the bass are large for most musicians, and the setup is aimed at sound more than ease of play, the satisfaction comes in the tremendous power, depth and clarity of the sound. Having a larger top plate, this bass projects a full, rich sound with a clear cutting edge far into the largest hall.

This Upright bass was previously owned by Malcolm Cecil, a British bassist with an impressive resume. Since 1961 he used this bass in many venues including as principle bassist in the BBC Radio Orchestra, live performance while in residence at Ronnie Scott's, as well as numerous recordings with major jazz and popular artists worldwide. A sampling of these recordings includes "Inner Visions" with Stevie Wonder, Stan Getz, J.J. Johnson, Roland Kirk, Johnny Griffin, Jim Hall, Annie Ross, The Jazz Five, and Lainie Kazan.

A jazz bass musician today searching to fill the room without an amp will appreciate all the qualities of this bass.

In the orchestra, however, we feel that this bass will reach its highest potential. In our arco tests, we found many outstanding traits. This bass is: 1) Big, boomy, and punchy sounding; 2) Loud enough to fill out an orchestra section really well; 3) Exceptionally responsive: Beethoven spiccato excellent, and the Mozart spiccato (short, off the string stroke) was very good, requiring a bit more effort.

If you're ready to put forth the effort, this bass will deliver the goods. It currently has an all professional orchestra setup, and is ready to go to work.

Other documentation available details more history of ownership and repair.