Bassett-model
The basset, a little bass 3 to 6 strings, tuned in thirds and fourths, has been used in the early baroque period in the beginning of the 17th century. Nowadays it is solely played in performances of historic music. Only very few original old instruments are available.
The shown instrument is made on customer demands. It has 5 strings and about half the size of a double-bass. The measure is 90 cm. Making it easy to switch between a usual double-bass and the basset we decided for a tuning in fourths.
The flat angle of the neck and the comparatively low bridge causes low pressure on the belly of the basset, which allows us to keep the wood of the belly thin. That and the use of catgut strings made a sound close to a viola da gamba. (bzw to the original)
