3/4 Italian Model, Robbie #9
Robbie’ first award winning bass is an Italian model based on several instruments Robbie has measured over the years, including the Piattellini.
Certificate of Merit for Tone, International Society of Bassists 2015.
3/4 size bass
41-3/4″ (106 cm.) string length.
Eastern White Pine one-piece (!) top from wall panels from the 1785 house.
American Elm back and sides.
The Elm ribs are slab-cut. If you’ve ever tried to split elm for your wood stove you know how hard it is to split. I hope this curse becomes a virtue by resisting the universal tendency of ribs to crack. After 10 years this holds true.
Testimonial from owner, Brian Myhr:
“I did not intend to buy a new bass. I was resigned that I was approaching the end of my music career and my 19th-century bohemian bass that had served me well for nearly four decades would be all that was needed. As it turns out, Fate had different plans. My bass fell on its side, flipped up, and landed hard on the bridge causing an extensive bass bar top crack requiring months of restoration. That’s when I turned to Robbie.
I had been admiring Robbie’s work on his website. I had learned earlier that Robbie had restored Philip Albright’s Alvisio Piattellini bass. Dr. PHA was my teacher at Ball State University. The Piattellini was the pattern for several of Robbie’s creations, including # 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12. One day, Robbie posted that his new bass, #9, was ready and was scaled up to ¾ size with a 41 ¾” string length. Since I’m a fairly tall guy at 6’ 2”, #9 would be fine.
#9 has a very mature, warm, and powerful voice. She was old when she was brand new. I’m sure the reclaimed topwood from a home built in 1785 has everything to do with it. The blonde finish accentuates the unique slab-cut elm back and sides, and the one-piece eastern pine top. I have received many compliments on #9. This was Robbie’s first entry into a bass maker’s competition and his first winner of a Certificate of Merit for Tone. #9 is one of a kind.
I am extremely grateful to Robbie for creating my bass. #9 has enhanced my sound profoundly making playing easier and more enjoyable. I continue to play a busy schedule of Operas and Symphonic concerts because it’s so much fun!”
—Brian Myhr, Florida Grand Opera
2024
Curious for more details about commissioning a copy? Give us a call at 518 677 3151 or send us an email at mcinbass@gmail.com.
Click on each image below to see a larger view.
