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If you are looking for a String Bass, Peter Zaret & Sons Violin shop has a good inventory of fine double (acoustic, upright) Basses ranging from some older ones to high-quality new instruments from around the world. Our store selection includes instruments for the most discriminating professional and/or collector, to those important early instruments for students.
Over the years, we have successfully helped many bassists find an instrument that is ideal for his or her individual playing style, musical needs and skill levels.
Below are samples of some of the instruments we currently have available.
Our Inventory of Double Basses
Maintaining a continually rotating quality inventory can be challenging as it is becoming increasingly difficult to find fine older basses, particularly from the most desired countries such as Italy and France. A growing number of gifted students and professionals are competing for a limited supply of these rare and expensive instruments -- those which are both older and still in good playing condition. Fortunately, due to our reputation in the string instrument community we are continually offered fine instruments to buy or take on consignment. This inventory is constantly changing.
However, it is not sufficient merely to have a large selection of older instruments. The instruments should also be in the best possible condition. An old string bass with a multitude of cracks, poor retouching and/or other repairs represents an unsound investment from the standpoints of dollars, tone and reliability. We try only to sell basses that are in at least good condition. With our 100% trade-in policy we know that a good many of these instruments will return in one way or another.
In addition to our older instruments our inventory includes new acoustic basses that we believe will improve with age. After all, every Stradivarius was once new! Some very fine string basses are being built these days and depending on your budget, an excellent new instrument may offer much more bang for your buck than can an older bass that is less expensive due to poor condition or other problems.
When Times are Tough -- High-End Rental Program
During difficult economic times may we suggest our High-End Rental program? Details at the bottom of the Rentals page. Let us help you get the high-quality instrument you want. We also offer a traditional rental program. We are one of the few violin shops that offers bass for rent programs at any level. If you need to rent a double bass for a limited time, give us a call!
Our Patented Bass Bar
We also offer another option. We sell quite a few instruments with Peter Zaret's patented bass bar. This bass bar greatly enhances the tone. It gives the upright bass a deeper, richer and more responsive quality. The tone is more powerful and better balanced and gets rid of the wolf tones almost entirely. We sell these instruments, both old and new at a fraction of the price of the increasingly scarce French and Italian basses. More can be read about this in articles that appeared in the May 2003 issue of Strad Magazine (Banishing the WolfDoes Peter Zaret's patented redesign of the bass-bar really give a stronger wolf-free sound?), and the March 2004 issue of Strings Magazine (Ace of BassPeter Zaret's patented bass bar pleases players and puzzles Luthiers).
If you are seeking a fine double bass, we invite you to call or visit our store and find out what we have to offer. Of course, our collection is constantly changing. Our staff will be happy to show you our offerings.
We work directly with the students, parents, and teachers.
The International Society of Bassists: www.ISBworldoffice.com
"The ISB was founded by the world-renowned virtuoso Gary Karr in 1967. With some 3,000 members in over 40 countries, the ISB is an organization for those who teach, study, play, repair, build and enjoy the double bass."
Double Bassist: http://www.doublebassist.com/
"the music magazine for double bass teachers, students, players and makers. Offering practical advice on technique, profiles of leading jazz, classical and contemporary performers, master classes by the great teachers, articles on music education and exploring the craft of the luthier and bowmaker, Double Bassist is the magazine for bass instrument enthusiasts."
American School of Double Bass: www.asodb.com/
"Our mission is to instill in aspiring bassists of all ages and abilities a commitment to artistic and technical excellence through immersion in an energetic learning experience in a friendly, fun, and supportive environment. To inspire pride in their instrumental heritage, as well as an excitement for what each and every player can contribute to advancement of the double bass."
Double Bass Links Page: http://www.urbbob.com/basslink.html
"This links page began in 1996 as a list of double bass resources pulled from my personal bookmarks, to share them with other players. The page changes and grows on almost a daily basis due to new discoveries and submissions. There are a ton of "Electric Bass Links" pages out there, so I've narrowed my entries to those that appeal to the Double Bass side of the world."
Also, you may want to read our article: How to Choose a Double Bass by Christopher Vance
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