Violone - Four-string Double Bass
by Jan Uldaricus Eberle
Prague, 1750
This violone of majestic appearance - in this case, a four-string double bass, by Eberle - is completely in original condition, including the machine heads for tuning, the tailpiece, the fingerboard, the neck. Only the bridge has been replaced. The wood used in its construction is very plain, which probably indicates that it was destined rather for use in the musical establishment of some church rather than at court. Indeed the generous dimensions of this instrument would also point to its use in a large space. This violone is employed regularly in the Orpheon Baroque Orchestra but is also lent out to other ensembles all over Euorpe. Playing this instrument completely changes the sound of a complete orchestral ensemble. One has to hear it to believe it!
This violone is played principally by Hector Castillo, from Madrid, Spain, a regular member of the Orpheon Consort and Orchestra. He also employs the Violone in G. But sometimes...
But sometimes...other musicians cannot resist the temptation to try their hands at it!
Here a similar instrument, although quite a bit smaller than the Eberle, performing the basso continuo of a cantata together with a small number of string instruments.
Body length mm Upper width mm Middle width mm Lower width mm Rib height mm String length mm
updated
14.10.2007