This bass has been through a lot since it was brought into the musical world 350 years ago in Venice, Italy. Seriously, check out the restoration photos on the Contrabass Shoppe’s site.

“The origins of the double bass are something that every bass player will ponder at some point in his or her career. This fascinating instrument is incredibly important for it helps piece together the transition from five or six string violone to three string double bass that was unfolding in Venice during the mid 17th century. As if all this wasn’t enough to digest - the instrument also demonstrates the stylistic freedom and grace of the Venetian school of making and simultaneously anticipates the more refined and classic Italian form that was poised to follow and evolve with the work of Matteo Goffriller.” - Contrabass Shoppe