double bass

The Musical Instrument Fund purchased this unique double bass in 1997 from its maker, René Zaal. The VSB Fund made the purchase possible. It is a unique bass because its top has something special about it. It’s a story from more than a quarter of a century ago.

René Zaal recounts: “Of course, I still remember that! At the time, I took the wood for building a double bass to Luxembourg to make the instrument there. While cutting out the top, I came across an actual bullet, which had caused some irregular growth in the wood. Since I didn’t have another top with me, I inserted a piece just above the f-hole on the soundboard side. It’s also reinforced on the inside, so it’s a bit noticeable, but very stable.”

Hopefully, when the bullet was fired, it didn’t hit any people or animals; this tree certainly knew what to do with it. Just keep growing! Wilmar de Visser chose this bass and was the first to play it. Arjen Leendertz, Tessa Helder, Joost Verbakel, Teun Godschalk, and Ioannis Vagianos followed him. Currently, Anton Tuxen plays this “Arnhem-Luxembourg-shot” double bass.