Odessa

This bass, clearly inspired by the Gamba, is particularly appropriate for those who would prefer a traditional albeit modern styling, allied with a solid acoustic performance.

It is very easy to transport, as its volume is slightly larger than that of a cello, and is plenty practical to play. It performs well even for the classical musician, for since its inception I designed it thinking as much about its use for arco playing as well as for pizzicato.

With arco its timbre, very "cantabile", is particularly clear and defined, having a high point in the second octave of the first string, where its cello-like voice is clearly recognizable. When played pizzicato, it also demonstrates plenty of definition, with presence and sustain. It has a well articulated low end, and so is also a model that accepts a fifth string comfortably.

This instrument, made in 2009, illustrates well one of the alternatives to the adjustable neck design. This model allows the neck’s projection to be adjusted, following the ideas of M° Giuseppe Baldantoni, who was already making basses with this feature in the XIX century.

Another characteristic of this instrument is the hybrid back panel. This kind of back can be made for contrabassettos as well as for contrabasses. It functions very well, and seems to mix the properties of sculpted backs with those of flat backs, and as such results in a full and complex character which at the same time has a rapid response.

My contrabassettos are ideal not only for live performances but also for recording.