Gli strumenti

Four voices,
one family

Each one carved, varnished and voiced by hand — from the brilliance of the violin to the depth of the double bass.

From the workbenchViolin · Opus 01
Violino The soprano Violins G · D · A · E ≈ 60 cm 7 instruments Discover Viola The alto Violas C · G · D · A 1 instrument Discover Violoncello The tenor Cellos C · G · D · A ≈ 124 cm 3 instruments Discover Contrabbasso The foundation Double basses E · A · D · G ≈ 180 cm 2 instruments Discover
V Cantabile The Maker Six years in Cremona, a year at the bench of Riccardo Bergonzi. Read the story IV Adagio The Craft From tonewood to the first note: how an instrument is made. Enter the workshop

Domande

All questions

Exhibited at Cremona Mondomusica 2012 · 2013

Commission

ContrabbassoThe foundation

Handmade double basses

Handmade double basses that anchor the ensemble with a deep, resonant foundation — built by hand by luthier Gregorio Martini.

Tuning
E · A · D · G
Body
≈ 110 cm (¾ size)
In the catalogue
2

Every instrument is unique · Prices on request

Double basses in the catalogue

Su misura Your double bass, made to measure Start a commission

Il fondamentoThe foundation

The deepest voice of the orchestra

The lowest open string of the double bass vibrates about forty-one times a second — slow enough to be felt as much as heard. On it rests the harmony of the whole ensemble.

41HzE1 — the lowest open string

  • ViolinG3 · 196 Hz
  • ViolaC3 · 131 Hz
  • CelloC2 · 65 Hz
  • Double bassE1 · 41 Hz
Each line shows the lowest open string, drawn approximately to its relative frequency.

ContrabbassoThe instrument

About the double bass

The double bass, or contrabass, is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the string family. Usually tuned E, A, D and G, it is played with the bow or plucked with the fingers, and it provides the foundation of the orchestra as well as the pulse of jazz.

Building a double bass by hand is a feat of scale and precision. Each of Gregorio Martini's basses is made to combine a powerful, focused low register with clarity and ease of playing.

DomandeQuestions

Questions about the double bass

All questions
01 What size double bass do most players use?

The ¾ size is the most common for adult players. Full-size (4/4) basses exist but are less usual; the choice depends on height, hand span and the music played.

02 How is the double bass tuned?

Unlike the violin, viola and cello, which are tuned in fifths, the double bass is usually tuned in fourths: E, A, D and G.

03 Is the double bass played with a bow or plucked?

Both. It is played with the bow (arco) in orchestral and chamber music and plucked (pizzicato) above all in jazz — a handmade bass is built to speak clearly in both.

04 How can I find out the price?

Every instrument is unique, so prices are given on request. Write to mgviolinmaker@gmail.com for details, photographs and the price of any instrument.

Finale

Let us make an instrument that sounds like you.

Tell Gregorio about your playing, your repertoire and the voice you are searching for. Every commission begins with a conversation.

Start a commission mgviolinmaker@gmail.com