Lockey Hill Double Bass

currently played by

Jorge Hernández

The Incentive

When this bass came into view, Jorge was playing another double bass from our collection. This Bargelli, dating from around 1980, had been Jorge’s trusted companion during his student years, as well as at the start of his career during performances and auditions. He was ready for a new instrument, because “when it came to bigger performances and larger venues, it felt as though the bass was giving it everything it had, but it wouldn’t develop any further.” Gradually, his doubts were increasingly confirmed.

“I’m not a car enthusiast, but it felt like I was trying to drive a Formula 1 race in a Seat Ibiza. It’s a good car that can certainly be fast, but it’s nothing like the cars they use in the tournaments.”

It soon became clear that we couldn’t help Jorge with our current collection of double basses. We had to keep our eyes and ears open for a bass with a “deeper, fuller, and brighter sound”—one suitable for orchestral and chamber music—an instrument that would allow him to further develop musically.

What's Next?

“Despite the current situation in the world, after I submitted my request, I received a message saying I could visit a double bass expert.” There were five double basses waiting in the workshop that might be suitable for Jorge.

“Two caught my attention: a German instrument by Johann Anton Baader and the Lockey Hill. I tried not to let myself be swayed by the name Hill (which carries quite a bit of weight in the history of double bass making) and the fact that this specific instrument is described in *The English Double Bass Book*. I decided to take the Baader home first and put it through its paces.”

The Baader was immediately booked for the Amsterdam Piano Duo Festival in December 2020, with Jorge’s nonet, the Intercontinental Ensemble. The bass was easy to play, but Jorge felt that its qualities were comparable to those of the Bargelli. A week later, “I decided to listen to my intuition and my heart and try the Lockey Hill.”

“The difference was enormous. When I played the Hill in my living room, I could feel the floor, windows, and walls vibrating along with it.”

In Jorge’s ensemble, the bass immediately received positive feedback. “The bass is a bit larger than I would have expected, but it’s easy to play. I’ve fallen in love with its tone and the colors I can create with it.” Just before the New Year, the Musical Instrument Fund decided to purchase this exceptional bass. Although you can tell this instrument has been through quite a bit, both experts and musicians agree that the sound is wonderful. Read more about Lockey Hill here >

Love at First Sight

Now that Jorge and Hill are getting to know each other a little better, their expectations aren't being disappointed.

“I’m in love with this instrument! The bass never ceases to surprise me with its tonal colors and possibilities. It has so much to offer—even the slightest adjustments in my playing can completely change its essence. It’s as if I’m playing the best subwoofer on the market while sitting in a centuries-old church pew—and for good reason, because the instrument is older than the Concertgebouw organ.”

Here you can admire Lockey Hill

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jorge was offered a contract with Phion, the Orchestra of Gelderland and Overijssel. “It’s difficult to perform because of all the restrictions, but I’m overjoyed to join the orchestra when it’s my turn.”

In addition, the Intercontinental Ensemble, in which Jorge plays, is currently recording two CDs. The recordings will feature works by Nino Rota and Martinů’s original nonets. They will also perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony and music by female composers: Clara Schumann, Bianca Bongers, Aregnaz Martirosyan, and Sarah Neutkens.