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Versatile
Top-of-the-line double basses

The Musical Instrument Fund has a diverse collection of double basses: currently 27 instruments. The caliber of double bassists is currently rising significantly. Unfortunately, a top-quality double bass suitable for both orchestral playing and solo works is almost impossible to find—not even in our collection. The waiting list is slowly filling up with conservatory students and top soloists who are looking for a versatile, high-quality double bass.

News
23 August 2023 by Indy de Vries

Old English double bass

In the spring of 2023, the Musical Instrument Fund, thanks to the Hans and Thea Alders-Timmer Fund, purchased a wonderful antique English bass to enrich its bass collection. The bass, built by Edward Popplewell J'Anson in Manchester (ca. 1850), is a versatile, high-quality instrument with a beautiful tone. A true asset to the collection. With this purchase, we were able to help the young bassist Javier Clemén Martínez (20). He used to play on instruments from the conservatory, but those are often in use. Now he can prepare thoroughly for orchestra auditions and solo performances.

New Double Bass from Arnhem

The most recent purchase is a beautiful double bass for Judith Capelle (21). The bass was built this year by Jurgen Preyer in Arnhem, making it the first instrument by this luthier in our collection! Preyer’s double basses are very well received both nationally and internationally. The double bass is perfect for auditions and is also excellent for solo and chamber music. Before Judith was able to borrow it, the bass participated in the first edition of the International Violin and Bow Making Competition in Mirecourt. Preyer won the “Prix spécial musiciens” in the “double bass” category.

And for the future…

The Musical Instrument Fund has been searching for a double bass for top soloist Rick Stotijn for several years now. Finding the ideal bass requires a lot of time and patience, and unfortunately things don’t always go as hoped. Double bassist Sasha Witteveen has also submitted a request for a new bass. A substantial amount of money has been set aside for these instruments. However, we expect even more requests from double bassists in the future. Will you help us expand our collection of double basses?

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