The goal of Museums page is to document and index all the extant bass instruments holdings in museums and collections worldwide. The following records are designed to serve both as an inspiration to students and scholars in a pursuit of desired information, and to professional luthiers and collectors who may find here useful references on a particular instrument or a maker. The terminology used here should be familiar to all professional and collegiate users, yet for the applied bibliographic standards, please consult also the Instrument Citations & Abbreviations heading.
As a guide for inclusion in this listing the following two criteria were set as a standard. First, that the information on the content and location of instruments is public, and second, that the collection itself contains at least one instrument that may be defined as a bass instrument. The “bass instrument” definition implies here any double bass of any size, shape or purpose that is designated as such by a museum, and in any language that is equivalent to an English “double bass” term. Thus all museum entries classified as Contrabasso, Contrabbasso, Contrebasse, Contrabajo, Contrabaix, Contrabas, Kontrabas, Kontrabass, Kontrabaß, Violone (although certainly not all of them) were considered, together with sub species of Church basses and Bass Viols that approximate function, although not necessary always the size of a modern double bass. The same principle was applied to any bass bows located in museums.
Further inclusions cover also the variety of folk bass instruments attributed to double bass family by museums, although many of them by its size may appear much smaller. Lastly, electric basses, experimental basses, octobasses and other types of stringed bass instruments have also been included here under separate headings. Viola da Gambas and Bass Viola da Gambas are not included in this listing, although some of the larger examples of these instruments may be considered for future inclusion, pending on the next generation of research in the domain of bass instrument classification.
By exploring the links in this listing you will literally afford yourself a global tour of prominent museums that house the world heritage of double basses. Likewise, you may be mesmerized by the variety of designs, shapes and sizes of exhibited instruments, and it is probable that you may come to the similar conclusion that much of the work in the research and systematization of these unique instruments is yet to be undertaken. The purpose of this page is therefore to encourage such an investigation with a noble hope that the future generations may gain even better understanding of this valuable legacy.
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Europe
Austria
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Eisenstadt
Schloss Esterházy
Esterházyplatz 1
7000 Eisenstadt
Contact
• Johann Josef Stadelmann, 1759 – Photo
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Graz
Kunst Univeristät Graz – Musikinstrumentensammlung
Brandhofgasse 17-19
8010 Graz
• Leeb (Andreas Carl ?), Pressburg, 1791, Sig. 17 A09
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Insbruck
Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum
Sammlung der Musikinstrumente
Museumstrasse 15
6020 Insbruck
Contact
• Anonymous, Halbbass (Bassettl), Füssen, Mid. 17th Century, i.n. 85 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
• Anonymous, “Löwenkopf”, n.p., ca. 1750, i.n. 211 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
• Anonymous, “Mohrenkopf”, n.p., ca. 1700, i.n. 183 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
• Paul Alletsee, Kleiner Kontrabass, München, 1733, i.n. 63 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
• Simon Gföller, Halbbass (Bassettl), Schwaz, 1645, i.n. 162 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
• Jacob Rauch, Innsbruck, 1713 , i.n. 272 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
• Michael Ignaz Stadlmann, Wien, 1798, i.n. 11 – Page – Photo
• Jakob Stainer, Absam, 1645, i.n. 32 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
• Konrad Zunterer, Seefeld, 1775, i.n. 105 – Page – Photo 1 – Photo 2
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Salzburg
Salzburg Musuem – Sammlung Historische Musikinstrumente
Studiengebäude Alpenstrasse
Alpenstraße 75
5020 Salzburg
Contact – Info on the main page
• Andreas Ferdinand Mayr, Salzburg, 1722, i.n. MI 1084
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St. Gilgen
Musikinstrumenten Museum der Völker – St. Gilgen
Aberseestraße 11
5340 St. Gilgen
• Unknown, featuring large C holes – Image
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Vienna
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien – Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente
Maria-Theresien-Platz
1010 Wien
Contact
• Nikolaus Leidolff, Wien, 1693 – Akademie der Bildenden Künste Wien – Presentation – State Before Restauration – ORF – Restauration Presentation – Image 2
• Anton Posch, 1739 – Online Discussion
• Martin Stoss, Wien, 1822 – Instrument Plan “SAM 459” – source page Link for KMW Technical Drawings of Musical Intruments List pdf document
• Unindentified, Six Stringed Viol Shape Bass Instrument – Source
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MUK – Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, Instrumenten Archiv
Johannesgasse 4a
1010 Wien
• Johann Georg Thier, year unknown, Inv. Nr. 007
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Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde
Bösendorferstrasse 12
1010 Wien
Contact
Information on the Collection of Historical Instruments
• Johann Christoph Leidolff, Wien, 1757 – Concert Program with instrument image
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The Orpheon Foundation – Museum of Historical Musical Instruments
Praterstrasse 13/1/3
A-1020 Vienna, Austria
Contact
• Anonymous, Violone in G, Milano School, 18th Century
• Anonymous, Violone in D, Venetian, 17th Century
• Jan Uldaricus Eberle, Prague, 1750
• Johann Georg Thir, Vienna, 1750
Belarus
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Minsk
Государственный Музей Истории Театральной и Музыкальной Культуры
220030, Минск, пер. Музыкальный, 5
Республика Беларусь
Contact
State Museum of Theatre and Music Culture
Minsk
Republic of Belarus
• Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi, 1750 – Belarusian News Site Coverage
Belgium
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Antwerpen
Museum Vleeshuis
Vleeshouwersstraat 38
2000 Antwerpen
Contact
Basses
• Peter Borlon, Antwerpen, 1649, o.n. AV.1967.001.149 – Online Feature
• Ludovic Jacobs, Antwerpen, 1843, o.n. AV.1967.001.150 (Contrabas met drie snaren)
• Francois Pillement, Mirecourt, ca. 1820, o.n. AV.1959.015.002 (Contrabas met drie snaren)
Bass Bows
• Anonymous, n.p., mid. 19th c. (over hand) ; o.v. AV.2000.001.034
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Brussels
Musée des Instruments de Musique *
Muziekinstrumentenmuseum *
Musical Instruments Museum
Hofberg 2 Montagne de la Cour
B-1000 Brussels
Contact
* French and Dutch are the official languages of Brussels, thus you may find the museum name cited both ways in various bibliographies. Links lead directly to the sites in indicated languages.
Basses
• Anonymous, Violone, Italy, before 1886, i.n. 1436
• Anonymous, Violone, Germany, before 1900, i.n. 1435
• Anonymous, Central Europe, before 1969, i.n. JT0047
• Anonymous, Netherlands, before 1883, i.n. 1377
• Peeter Borbon I, Brussels, 1668, i.n. 3949 – MIMO
• Benoît Joseph Boussu, Brussels, 1760, i.n. 2014.324 – Online Discussion
• Ambroise Decomble, Tournai, 1750, i.n. 1376
• Alphonse Giboreau, Liège, 1918, i.n. JT0048
• Hans Krouchdaler, “Grande Basse-quinte de Viola da Braccio”, Oberbalm, ca. 1654, i.n. 1442
• Giovanni Recaldini, Violone, Venice, ca. 1601-1650, i.n. 1378
• Léo Sir, “Sous-Basse de Dixtuor”, Marmande, 1908-1920, i.n. 1981.042-06
• Marcus Snoeck, Europe, 1736, i.n. 2881
• Marcus Snoeck, Europe, 1741, i.n. 2880
• Pietro Zenatto, “Grande Contrebasse”, Treviso, ca. 1683-1684, i.n. 1438-01
• Pietro Zenatto, Violone, Treviso, ca. 1683, i.n. 1433
• Pietro Zenatto, Violone, Treviso, ca. 1683, i.n. 1437
Bass Plates
• Anonymous, Liège, before 1992, i.n. 1993.091-01
• Anonymous, Liège, before 1992, i.n. 1993.091-02
• Anonymous, Liège, before 1992, i.n. 1993.091-03
• Auguste Termont, Ghent, 1859, Front Plate, i.n. 2900-01
• Auguste Termont, Ghent, 1859, Back Plate [Incomplete], i.n. 2900-02
Bass Pegbox
• Anonymous, Ghent, 1859, i.n. 2900-05
Bass Bows
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., i.n. 1989.038
• Anonymous, n.p., 1800-1900, i.n. JT0133
• Anonymous, Europe, 1800-1900, i.n. JT0129
• Anonymous, Europe, 1800-1900, i.n. JT0130
• Anonymous, Europe, 1800-1900, i.n. JT0132
• Anonymous, Europe, 1800-1900, i.n. 2902-13
• Anonymous, France, ca. 1750-1850, i.n. 1462
• Anonymous, France, ca. 1800-1850, i.n. E0158
• Anonymous, German, ca. 1740-1780, i.n. 0505
• Anonymous, German, ca. 1801-1850, i.n. 1478
• Anonymous, German, ca. 1900-1910, i.n. JT0090
• Anonymous, Mirecourt, ca. 1880-1925, i.n. JT0131
• Karl Grimm, Berlin, 1815-1855, i.n. 3498
Accessories
• Tailpiece, Ghent, 1859, i.n. 2900-04
Etnic / Folk Bass Instruments
• Gordună, Dumitru lederan, ca. 1990, i.n. 2001.075-01 – MIMO Int
Phoenix Collection
• Anonymous, Mexico, n.d., i.n. MIM-PH-2012.278.2
[This instrument is apparently located in Phoenix Museum US, yet unclear why listed within the Brussels Museum collection]
Czech Republic
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Prague
České Muzeum Hudby – Czech Museum of Music
Karmelitská 2/4
Praha 1
Contact
• Unknown, n.p., n.d. i.n. ? Image 1 – Image 2 – Image 3 (unclear if the same instrument)
[ No information on this instrument is offered online, further update is needed ]
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MCMI – Metodické Centrum Dokumentace, Konzervace a Restaurování Hudebních Nástrojů – The Methodological Centre for the Documentation, Conservation, and Restoration of Musical Instruments
National Museum – Czech Museum of Music
Karmelitská 2, 118 00 Prague
Contact MCMI also Contact National Museum / Národní Muzeum
• Anonymous, Padua, 1821, i.n. E287
• Wenzel Schaller, Prague, 1821, i.n. E286
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Vojenský Historický Ústav Praha / Hudební nástroje a hudebniny – Military History Institute in Prague / Musical Instruments and Music
U Památníku 2, 130 05, Praha 3
Contact
• Cremona, Czhech Republic, n.d., i.n. ?
[ an instrument that formerly belonged to the Military Conservatory in Roudnice nad Labem ]
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Luby
Muzeum Hudebních Nástrojů – Museum of Musical Instruments
This museum is a part of the Museum Cheb
MHN Map and Address
This collection holds several basses of which the following were identified online:
• Unknown, Czhech Republic, n.d., i.n. ? (Tulipwood bass)
• Strunal – Schönbach, Czhech Republic, n.d., i.n. ? Page Link – Image
[ the photo on the page presents three instruments that are all likely related to Strunal – Schönbach ]
Denmark
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Copenhagen
National Museum of Denmark – Music Museum
Rosenørns Allé 22
DK-1970 Frederiksberg C
Copenhagen
Contact
This collection may hold several basses of which only one was identified online. The “Violone” cited below may be classed as either bass, or a viola da gamba in museum registry.
Basses
• Unknown, three strings, n.d., i.n. ? – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Source Site
• Violone (or large Viola da Gamba), n.d., i.n. ? – Photo
Bibliogrpahy:
• Please check: Heller, Veit. Methoden zur Untersuchung und Dokumentation der Geigen am Museum für Musikinstrumente der Universität Leipzig. Ph.D. Thesis, Universität Leipzig, 2017. p. 24 ( Download Page), where in the table you can locate a citation for: Skjerne, Godtfred. Carl Claudius‘ Samling af Gamle Musikinstrumenter. København: Levin & Munksgaard, 1931, and which indicates 5 Kontrabasses located in Carl Claudius‘ Samling, now held by the Musikmuseet in Copenhagen. This same table also indicates some 24 Violen da Gamba, one of which may be the “Violone” cited above.
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France
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Céret
Musée des instruments de Céret
14, Rue Pierre Rameil
66400 Céret
Contact – Home Page bottom
Basses
• Vera, contrebasse à 3 cordes, n.d, i.n. ins_320
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Mirecourt
Musée de la Lutherie et de l’Archeterie
Cours Stanislas
88500 Mirecourt
Contact
Basses
• Auguste Sébastien Bernardel, Paris, 1848, i.n. 1999.6.1–
• Paul Hilaire, Mirecourt, 1963, i.n. 1998.13.1
• Antoine Marius Richelme, Marseille, 1893, i.n. 1995.13.1
• Thibouville-Lamy, Mirecourt, 1st Half 20th Century, i.n. 2011.2.1
Bows
• Louis Bazin, Mirecourt, n.d., i.n. 1992.5.4
• Frères Morizot, Mirecourt, ca. 1960, i.n. 1973.10.2
• Emile Auguste Ouchard, Gan, 1963, i.n. 1997.12.1
• Jean-Claude Ouchard, Mirecourt, 1973, i.n. 2009.0.3
• Pfretzschner (school), German, 1900-1999, i.n. 1972.6.1
Miniature Bass
• Acoulon, Paris, 1911, i.n. 1998.15.1
[attributed to Charotte]
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Nice
Musée du Palais Lascaris – Wiki
La Collection d’instruments de Musique Anciens
15 rue Droite
06300 Nice
Contact
Curator – Robert Adelson
• Carlo Giuseppe Testore, “Basse de Violon”, Milan, 1696, i.n. C.7 [Italian Violone]
• Louis Allo, “Vespa”, Nice, ca. 1880, i.n. C.371
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Paris
Musée de la Musique – Wiki
Philharmonie de Paris
221, avenue Jean-Jaurès
75019 Paris
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, n.p., 18th Century, i.n. E.01206
• Anonymous, Three Strings [Guitar Shape], n.p., n.d., i.n. E.01208
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. E.01209
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., i.n. E.01211
• Anonymous, German, 19th Century, i.n. E.01212
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., i.n. E.01213
• Anonymous, France, ca. 1920, i.n. D.MRF.36
• Wilhelm Azan, Aix-en-Provence, 1605, [broken] i.n. E.979.2.63
• François-Jacques Barbé, Dijon, n.d., i.n. E.01207
• Nicolas Augustin Chappuy, n.p, 1769, i.n. E.01210
• Benoît Fleury, Paris, 1767, i.n. E.979.2.45
• Gand and Bernardel brothers, n.p., 1878, [broken] i.n. E.01214
• François Gaviniès, Paris, 1757, i.n. E.979.8.1
• Matteo Goffriller, Venice, 18th Century, i.n. E.656
• Joseph Xavier Jacquet, Mirecourt, ca. 1850, i.n. E.980.2.683
• Marc Laberte, Mirecourt, 1931, i.n. E.0266
• Jacques Lafleur, End of the 18th Century, Paris, i.n. E.979.2.64
• Nicolas Masson, “Contrebasse de Viole” – Reconstruction, Paris, 1932, i.n. E.980.2.496
• Giovanni Paolo Maggini, Brescia, 17th Century, i.n. D.988.9.2
• Victor Quenoil, Paris, 1957, i.n. E.997.11.1
• Carlo Giuseppe Testore, Milan, 1696, i.n. E.983.1.5
• Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris, 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.464 – Online Discussion
• Pellegrino di Zanetto, “Contrebasse de Viole”, Brescia, ca. 1550, i.n. E.408 – Book Citation – Online Discussion
Bows
• Anonymous, “Archet de Contrebasse de Viole”, France, 18th Century, i.n. E.699
• Anonymous, “Archet de Contrebasse de Viole”, France, 18th Century, i.n. E.980.2.186
• Anonymous, “Archet de Contrebasse de Viole”, Europe, 18th Century, i.n. E.980.2.231
• Anonymous, “Archet de Contrebasse de Viole”, France, 20th Century (?), i.n. E.980.2.232
• Anonymous, France, 18th Century, i.n. E.0153
• Anonymous, France, 18th Century, i.n. E.980.2.236
• Anonymous, France, End of the 18th Century, i.n. E.980.2.235
• Anonymous, Europe, Beginning of the 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.243
• Anonymous, Europe, 19th Century, i.n. E.0483
• Anonymous, Europe, 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.616
• Anonymous, Europe, 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.621
• Anonymous, France, 19th Century, i.n. E.2028.15
• Anonymous, France, 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.240
• Anonymous, Paris, 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.237
• Anonymous, Paris, 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.238
• Anonymous, Paris, 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.623
• Anonymous, Mirecourt, 20th Century, i.n. 659
• Anonymous, France, 20th Century, i.n. E.980.2.239
• Anonymous, France, 20th Century, i.n. E.980.2.242
• Félix Albert Caressa, Paris, Beginning og the 20th Century, i.n. E.983.1.15
• John Dodd, London, ca. 1830-1835, i.n. E.997.29.9
• Albert Paquotte, Paris, End of the 19th Century, i.n. E.980.2.241
• François Xavier Tourte, ca. 1825, Paris, i.n. E.2000.15.1
Processional Instruments
• Anonymous, Germany, 17th Century, i.n. E.01270
Octobass
• Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris, ca. 1850, i.n. E.409
Book citation – Link
Other Bass Instruments
• Banjo Contrebasse, n.p., n.d., i.n. E.1021
Germany
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Berlin
Musikinstrumenten-Museum Berlin
Staatliches Institut für Musikforschung
Tiergartenstraße 1
10785 Berlin
am Kulturforum
Contact – Personnel
• Anonymous, Mittenwald-Oberbayern, ca. 1800, i.n. 5819 – Photo
• Ernst Busch, Nürnberg, ca. 1600-1650, i.n. 229 – Photo
• Pietro Antonio dalla Costa, Treviso, 1757, i.n. 1341 – Photo
• Jean-Joseph-Honoré Derazey, Mirecourt, ca. 1845-1855, i.n. 5534 – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 4 – Photo 5 – Photo 6
• Andreas Jaiss, “Löwenkopf”, n.p.,1730, i.n. 1410 – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 4 – Photo 5
• Hans Krouchdaler, Große Bassgeige, n.p., 1689, i.n. 5181 – Photo 1 – Photo 2
• Johann Joseph Stadlmann, Wien, ca. 1750-1760, i.n. 5193 – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 4
• Hans Christoph Zänker, Hermsdorf unterm Kynast, ca. 1695-1705, i.n. 3341 – Photo 1 – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3
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Eglofs
Museum in Eglofs – Musik im Allgäu und in Oberschwaben
Dorfplatz 3
88260 Argenbühl
Contact
• Double Bass 1840-60s with the period bow as a part of the Church Music Instrument Collection – Source Page – Pdf p.5
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Köln
Kölnisches Stadtmuseum
Zeughausstraße 1–3
50667 Köln
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, European, n.p., n.d., i.n. KSM IV/54 – Kultureles-Erbe-Koeln
• Anonymous, European, n.p., n.d., i.n. KSM IV/55 – Kultureles-Erbe-Koeln
• Anonymous, European, n.p., n.d., i.n. KSM IV/56 – Kultureles-Erbe-Koeln
• Anonymous, European, n.p., n.d., i.n. KSM IV/57 – Kultureles-Erbe-Koeln
• Anonymous, European, n.p., n.d., i.n. KSM IV/58 – Kultureles-Erbe-Koeln
• Anonymous, European, Three Strings, n.p., n.d., i.n. KSM IV/59 – Kultureles-Erbe-Koeln
Notes:
• It is assumed that these instruments are associated with past music activities in Köln, yet the presented data offers no indication on where they may have been used or built in Köln as well. Thus the provenance and dating of these instruments is yet to be undertaken. Of particular interest may be a three stringed instrument from this collection.
• The photos and the associated data come from the Rheinisches Bildarchiv Köln, and it is assumed that they represent a historical record on the actual instruments in Kölnisches Stadtmuseum. The individual pages of these instruments at the Kölnisches Stadtmuseum were not located.
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Leipzig
Grassi Museum für Musikinstrumente der Universität Leipzig
Johannisplatz 5–11
04103 Leipzig
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, Brescian School, 17th Century, i.n. 941 – Online Discussion – MIMO 2
• Anonymous, European, Kleiner Streichbass, n.p., n.d., i.n. 3684
• Anonymous, European, n.p., n.d., i.n. 3685
• Anonymous, European, 18th Century, i.n. 4290
• Anonymous, European, ca. 1860-1910, i.n. 3130
• Anonymous, European, 19th Century, i.n. 3131
• Anonymous, European, ca. 1945-1955, i.n. 4888
• Anonymous, Freiberger Dom Nr. 10, Oreg. 16th C., Modern Copy 2004, i.n. 5408
• Anonymous, Freiberger Dom Nr. 24, Oreg. 16th C., Modern Copy 2004, i.n. 5409
• Anonymous, German, 1823, i.n. 5623
• Anonymous, Kleiner Kontrabass, Lombardy, 17th Century, i.n. 944 [broken]
• Anonymous, Kleiner Kontrabass, Kloster Rolduc, 18th Century, i.n. 948
• Anonymous, Kleiner Kontrabass, n.p., 17th-18 th Century, i.n. 949
• Anonymous, Kroatischer Kontrabass, n.p., 19th Century, i.n. 951
• Anonymous, Tyrol, 18th Century, i.n. 947
• J. A. Baader & Co., Mittenwald, 1889, i.n. 4314
• Johann Nikolaus Artmann, Kleiner Kontrabass, Wechmar, 1830, i.n. 5513
• Lorenzo Carcass, Florence, 1761, (1695-1705) restored 1761, i.n. 943 – MIMO 2
• Govanni Battista Dini, Lucignano, 1707, i.n. 942
• Rudolf Elger, “Violone”, Leipzig, n.d., i.n. 3289
• Schuster & Co., Markneukirchen, ca. 1895/1905, i.n. 4575
• Gottfried Tielke, Königsberg, 1662, i.n. 940 – MIMO 2 – Kinsky (p.573)
• Wilhelm Jacob Tresselt, Großbreitenbach, 1798, i.n. 946 [broken]
• Große Bassgambe, Marcus Vasi, Italy, (1735-1745), i.n. 825
• Hans Zölch, Markneukirchen, n.d., i.n. 3348
Incomplete Instruments
• Anonymous, Neck and Scroll, South German, 18th Century, i.n. 950
Historical Bass Reconstructions
• Große Bassviole after Jost Amman’s graphic “Drey Geiger”, before 1912, [parts], i.n. 774
[ Luthier unknown, further info at the link above ]
• Salger, Hans. Bassgeige, 2003, Modern reconstruction after period instrument of 1594 in Freberger Dom, i.n. 5409 – More on the Freiberger Dome Music Instruments reconstruction project – Grassi Museum – IA
• Salger, Hans. Bassgeige, 2003, Modern reconstruction after period instrument of 1594 in Freberger Dom, i.n. 5408 – More on the Freiberger Dome Music Instruments reconstruction project – Grassi Museum – IA
Other Bass Instruments
• Kontrabass-Balalaika, n.p., (1945-1955), i.n. 5512
Bibliogprahy:
• Kinsky, Georg. Musikhistorisches Museum von Wilhelm Heyer in Cöln : Kleiner Katalog der Sammlung alter Musikinstumente, 1912, vol 2.
Chapter “Contrabässe,” pp. 568-571. – IA Link
Featured Instruments pp. 573-579. – IA Link [ Note, Inventory Numbers (i.n.) used in the book match exactly those used by the musem today ]
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Markneukirchen
Musikinstrumenten-Museum Markneukirchen
Bienengarten 2
08258 Markneukirchen
Contact
Collection apparently has some 6 bass instruments on display – Photo 1 – Photo 2
• “Der große Kontrabass” – Source Page – Middle Paragraph
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Michaelstein
Stiftung Kloster Michaelstein
Michaelstein 15
38889 Blankenburg (Harz)
Contact – Info on the main page
• Anonymous, Mid-German, 18th Century, i.n. NL06
• Anonymous, Sachsen, End of 18th C. – Beginning of 19th C., i.n. SM 137
• Anonymous, Vogtland, End of 18th C. – Beginning of 19th C., i.n. SM 58
• Anonymous, Vogtland, End of 18th C. – Beginning of 19th C., i.n. NL263
[ Instruments cited in Michaelsteiner Konferenzberichte 64, p. 210-212 ]
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Mittenwald
Geigenbaumuseum Mittenwald
Markt Mittenwald
Dammkarstr. 3
82481 Mittenwald
Contact
Basses
• Period Bass (unstrung) – exhibits Baroque string instrument including a period sloped shoulders Bass and a smaller violin shaped bass and along several violoncello instrumets Room. 1.3 – Baroque Strings – 360˚ exibit view (please move around to note all the instruments)
Bass Parts
• Unfinished Bass Neck and Bass Back Plate – exhibits as the part of the Museum Tour – Complete Tour Page – The 360˚ exibit view: the Neck and the Back Plate
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Munich
Deutsches Museum
Museumsinsel 1
80538 Munich
Contact
Musical Instruments Exhibition
• Franz Zacher, n.p., 1690, i.n. 18098 – Book Source Online
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Nürnberg
Germanisches Nationalmuseum – Musikinstrumenten Sammlung
Kartäusergasse 1
90402 Nürnberg
Contact – Personnel
Basses
• Anonymous – Dreisaitiger Streichbaß, ca. 1800, Markneukirchen, i.n. MI527
• Anonymous – Halbbaß, 2nd half 18th Century, i.n. MIR1702
• Anonymous – Halbbaß, Süd-Deutschland, 1795, i.n. MIR845
• Anonymous – Halbbaß, Süd-Deutschland, 18th-19th Century, i.n. MIR846
• Anonymous – Halbbaß, Böhmen, n.d., i.n. MIR847
• Franz Straub – Dreisaitiger Streichbaß, n.p., 1684, i.n. MI420 – Bildindex – Catalog Entry (originally catalogued as “Kontrafagott”)
• Georg Tieffenbrunner, Munich, ca. 1850, i.n. MI464
• Martin Leopold Widhalm, Halbbaß, n.p., 1790, i.n. MIR844 – Bildindex – Catalog Entry
Bows
• Streichbogen, n.p., ca. 1700, i.n. MIR966
• Streichbogen, n.p., ca. 1700, i.n. MIR971 – Bildindex – Catalog Entry
• Strecihbogen, n.p., n.d., MIR981
• Streichbogen, n.p., n.d., i.n. MIR972
Accessories
• Bass Bridge, 18th Century, i.n. MI509_C
• Neck & Scroll, 18th Century, i.n. MIR829_A
Miniature Bass
• Miniatur eines Kontrabasses, 19th Century, i.n. MIR1464
Historical Double Bass Photographs
• Sammlung Schreinzer, Wien, 20th Century, i.n. MI403_10
• Sammlung Schreinzer, Wien, 20th Century, i.n. MI403_11
–
Regensburg
Historisches Museum
Dachauplatz 2-4
93047 Regensburg
Contact
• Johann Stephan Thumphard, Straubing, 1800, i.n. K 1976 116
–
Rudolstadt
Rezidensschloss Heidecksburg
Thüringer Landesmuseum Heidecksburg
Schlossbezirk 1
07407 Rudolstadt
Contact
• Carl Joseph Hellmer, Prague, 1782, i.n. Kg 1284
• Christoph Friedrich Hunger, Leipzig, 1772, i.n. TTR 1
[ Instruments cited in Michaelstein Konferenzberichte 64, pp. 209-210 ]
–
Stuttgard
Landesmuseum Württemberg – Musikinstrumente Sammlung
Altes Schloss
Schillerplatz 6
70173 Stuttgart
Contact – Info on the main page
• Unindentified bass – Exhibited along other string instruments – Photo
Hungary
–
Budapest
Museum of Ethnography – Wiki
Kossuth Lajos tér 12.
1055 Budapest
Contact
• Gardon, 3 string folk bass instrument – Online Discussion
Italy
–
Bologna
Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica
Strada Maggiore, 34
40125 Bologna
Contact – Info on the main page
• Giovanni Floriano Guidanti, Contrabbasso, Bologna, primo terzo, sec. XVIII i.n. 3394
–
Brescia
Musei Civici di Arte e Storia
Via Musei, 81 – 25121 Brescia
Contact
Current Exibition – Palazzo Logia
• Anonymous, c.a. 1580-1620, Brescia – Link Info – Pdf. Document p. 3
• Giovanni Paolo Maggini, c.a. 1610-1620, Brescia – Link Info – Pdf. Document p. 4
• Giovanni Paolo Maggini, c.a. 1600-1620, Brescia – Link Info – Pdf. Document p. 5
2008 Exhibition – Archived Page featuring Instruments – Video
–
Busseto (Parma region)
Museo Civico Villa Pallavicino
Via Ferdinando Provesi, 42, Busseto (PR)
Contact
• Anonymous, c.a. 1700-1799, n.p. – Link Info – Beniculturali – Image
–
Cremona
Museo del Violino
Palazzo dell’Arte
Piazza Marconi 5 – 26100 Cremona
Contact
• Nicola Bergonzi, Cremona, 1777 – Citation Page
–
Florence
Galleria dell’Accademia – Collezione del Conservatorio Luigi Cherubini
Polo Museale Fiorentino
Via Ricasoli 58-60
50122 Firenze
Contact – Personnel
Basses
• Anonymous, Italy, Mid. 18th Century, i.n. 1988/045
• Giuseppe Bracci, Livorno, 1823, i.n. 1988/044
• Bartolomeo Castellani, Florence, 1792, i.n. 1988/043
• Bartolomeo Cristofori, Florence, 1715, i.n. 1988/041
• Luigi Piattellini, Florence, 1791, i.n. 1988/042
Bows
• Anonymous, n.p., 18th Century, i.n. 1988/066
• Anonymous, n.p., Sec. Half 18th Century, i.n. 1988/067 – formerly owned by Gustavo Campostrini (1851-1904)
• Anonymous, n.p., Sec. Half 18th Century, “alla Dragonetti”, i.n. 1988/068 – formerly owned by Gustavo Campostrini (1851-1904)
• Anonymous, n.p., Sec. Half 18th Century, i.n. 1988/069 – formerly owned by Gustavo Campostrini (1851-1904)
• Anonymous, n.p., “alla Dragonetti”, the end of 18th Century, i.n. 1988/065
• Anonymous, n.p., the end of 18th Century, i.n. 1988/072
• Bazin, Mirecourt, 18th Century, i.n. 1988/071
• Bazin, Mirecourt, 19th Century, i.n. 1988/070
• Giovanni Battista Gabbrielli, “alla Dragonetti”, 18th Century, i.n. 1988/064
–
Milano
Museo Degli Strumenti Musicali – Castello Sforzesco
Piazza Castello
20121 Milano
Contact
Instrument search option unavailable
At least 4 double basses visible in the following picture – Wiki Image
–
Parma
Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Boito”
Via del Conservatorio 27b
43125, Parma
Contact
Basses
• Giovanni Paolo Maggini (attributed), Italy, est. 1592-1630. (local i.n. unknown)
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Rome
MUSA. Museo degli Strumenti Musicali
Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Auditorium Parco della Musica
viale de Coubertin
00196 Roma
Contact
The search “Contrabbasso” in Catalogo Online will display following entries.
Unfortunately, no interface for direct links could be located.
Basses
• Anonymous, n.p., 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 135
Bows
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 143.1
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 143.2
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 143.3
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 143.4
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 143.5
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 144.1
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 144.3
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 144.4
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 144.5
• Anonymous, n.p., End of the 18th Century, i.n. MS2006 n. 144.6
Bass Tailpiece
• Codiera, n.p., n.d., i.n. MS2006 n. 114
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Salò
Museo di Salò
Centro culturale Santa Giustina
Via Brunati, 9 – 25087
Contact
• Gasparo da Salò, “Biondo, già Colonna”ca. 1590
Text (4th Paragraph, in Italian) – Image 1 – Image 2
–
Siena
Il Museo Degli Strumenti Musicali
Accademia Musicale Chigiana
Via di Città 89
Siena 53100
Contact
• Unknown Double Bass – Museum Image
–
Venice
Museo di San Marco
San Marco 328
30124 Venezia
Contact
• Gasparo da Salò, 1590 – the famous instrument owned by Dragonetti
Museo di San Marco – Instrument Information
Museo di San Marco – Location – check “Rites and Melodies” link
Sergio Scarameli – Gasparo da Salò restoration
Sanmarcopress – Dragonetti Page
–
Mueso de la Musica di Venezia
Chiesa San Maurizio, S. Marco 2603
30124 Venezia
Contact
Collezione Artemio Versari
Chiesa di San Maurizio
Collection Presentation – Video
Basses
• Nicolò Amati, 1670 – Photo – Online Discussion
• Michelangelo Bergonzi, 1776 – Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Belonged to Italian bassist and composer Annibale Mengoli
• Giuseppe Marconcini 1794 – Photo
• One possible bass not identified – a smaller instrument on the left on diplay in Chiesa di San Maurizio Photo 1 – Photo 2
–
Piccolo Museo della Pietà ‘Antonio Vivaldi’
Castello 3701
Calle della Pietà
30122 Venezia
Contact
• Pietro Caspan, n.p., 1665, i.n. NA
Cited in Selfridge-Field, Eleanor. “The Pieta Museum Venice.” Early Music. Volume 33, Number 1, February 2005, p. 154 – Review Link
–
Conservatorio “Benedetto Marcello” – Museo Degli Strumenti
Palazzo Pisani
Sestiere di S. Marco
2810
30124 Venezia
Contact
Museum Collection Search Page – “Search for Lists” tab – “Musical Instruments” – “Contrabbasso”
Basses
• Dominicus Busan, Venezia, 1781, i.n. 282.
Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 4 – Photo 5 – Photo 6 – Photoe 7 – Photo 8 – Photo 9 – Photo 10 – Photo 11 – Photo 12 – Photo 13 – Photo 14 – Photo 15 – Photo 16 – Photo 17
• Giovanni Dodi, Modena, 1853, i.n. 629.
Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 4 – Photo 5 – Photo 6 – Photo 7 – Photo 8 – Photo 9 – Photo 10 – Photo 11 –
Photo 12 – Photo 13 – Photo 14 – Photo 15 – Photo 16 – Photo 17 – Photo 18
• Matteo Goffriller, Venezia, 17–, i.n. 627.
Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 4 – Photo 5 – Photo 6 – Photo 7 – Photo 8 –Photo 9 – Photo 10 – Photo 11 – Photo 12 – Photo 13 – Photo 14
• Lorenzo Storioni, Cremona, 1783, i.n. 628.
• Carlo Giuseppe Testore, n.p., n.d., i.n. 636.
Photo 1 – Photo 2 – Photo 3 – Photo 4
Netherlands
–
Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Postbus 74888
1070 DN Amsterdam
Contact
Bows
• Anonymous, n.p., 1800-1850 (est), o.n. BK-NM-8495
• Anonymous, n.p., 1800-1850 (est), o.n. BK-NM-11430-41
Poland
–
Poznań
Muzeum Instrumentów Muzycznych – The Musuem of Musical Instruments
Stary Rynek 45
61-772 Poznań
Contact
Basses
• Image shows one bass and likely some other bass viols – museum Link (source web.archive)
• The same instrument from a different angle, unfortunately obscured by visitors yet with a visible haead featuring 5 or more tuning pegs – wikimedia Link
–
Szydłowiec
Muzeum Ludowych Instrumentów Muzycznych na Zamku w Szydłowcu
[ Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in Szydłowiec ]
ul. Gen J. Sowińskiego 2
26-500 Szydłowiec
Contact
• This collection features several folk bass instruments as seen at the following page – Link
–
Warsaw
Państwowe Muzeum Etnograficzne w Warszawie
[ National Museum of Ethnography – Warsaw ]
Kredytowa 1
00-056 Warszawa, Poland
Contact
• Anonymous, 20th Century, i.n. PME 49034 – Official Page – MIMO
Spain
–
Barcelona
Museu de la Música de Barcelona
L’Auditori. C
Lepant, 150
08013 Barcelona
Contact – Info on the main page
Individual page records from Museu de la Musica not available – use keyword “Contrabaix” for search in Museum Catalogue . Featured records were located at MIMO International
Basses
• Anonymous, 19th Century, i.n. MDMB 1473
• Anonymous, 20th Century, i.n. MDMB 11214
• Giuseppe Baldantoni, 1839, i.n. MDMB 1037
• Francisco Manuel Fleta, “Violone”, Barcelona, 1940, i.n. MDMB 1275
–
Sweden
–
Stockholm
Scenkonst Museet – Swedish Museum of Performing Arts
Torsgatan 21
Stockholm
Contact
Postal Address
P.O. Box 16326
SE-103 26 Stockholm
Basses
• Anonymous, n.p., after 1900, i.n. M1975 .
• Anonymous, n.p., before 1901, i.n. M190 .
• Anonymous, n.p., before 1800, i.n. M414 .
• Jonas Elg, Stockholm, 1718, i.n. N134708 .
• Carleen Hutchins, “Small Bass Violin”, Clair, NJ, 1980, i.n. M3580 .
• Carleen Hutchins, “Kontrabass Nr. 174”, n.p., 1980, i.n. M3581 .
• L M E Lilljeqvist, n.p., 1840, i.n. N114022 .
• Mathias Petter Kraft, n.p., 1780-1807, i.n. M2437 .
Switzerland
–
Basel
Historische Museum Basel – Musikmuseum
Lohnhof 9
CH – 4051 Basel
Contact – Info on the main page
Basses
• Hans Huradt Stobell, Lion head, 4 strings, Vienna, 1666, i.n. 1882. 18. Museum View – Image View – Book Citation (No. 183)
• Simon Straub, “Kings” head (?), 5 strings, Friedenweiler, 1725, i.n. 1876. 23. Museum View – Book Citation (No. 184)
• Unknown, 4 strings, n.p., n.d., Museum View
Bows
• Unindentified, German type. 18/19 c. Museum View – Book Citation (No. 203)
Notes:
• The Museum View feature enables a visitor to view, enlarge and modify the angle of view in order to provide a close virtual observation. In addition, this presentation offers an option to virtually measure the instrument dimension or the repsective string lengths by use of the “Measurement Mode” icon (the fourth one, bottom left).
• Unfortunately, the offered virtual technology does not allow the enlargement of the individual description tables for each instrument in order for one to access the exhibit details.
• However, the data on the two of these instruments should be contained in the Nef, Karl. Historisches Museum Basel, Katalog Nr. IV, Musikinstrumente. Basel: Emil Birkhäuser, 1906. p. 47. This information can be reached at the Book Citation links above. The third instrument in the list above (4 strings) is featured in the Museum View presentation, yet it does not appear to be cited in the book.
• Should you wish to explore the other exhibits in the virtual museum, the starting point for the virtual tour is at This Link .
United Kingdom
–
Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh – Musical Instruments Museums — Search Page
St. Cecilia’s Hall
Niddry Street
Cowgate
Edinburgh
EH1 1NQ
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, Three Stringer, 19th Century, a.n. 4133
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., a.n. 352 [incomplete]
• Carleen Hutchins, Tenor Double Bass, “Sus No. 170”, Montclair/NJ, 1974, a.n. 2797
• Carleen Hutchins, Contrabass violin, Montclair/NJ, 1963-1964, a.n. 2798
• Léopold Widhalm, Nürnberg, 1753, a.n. 1104
Bows
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., a.n. 5915
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., a.n. 771
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., a.n. NA
• Anonymous, n.p., 19th Century, a.n. 1454
• Anonymous, n.p., 2nd Half 19th Century, a.n. 771
• Anonymous, n.p., Late 19th Century, a.n. 342
• Anonymous, n.p., Late 19th – Early 20th Century, a.n. 1101
• Anonymous, n.p., 20th Century, a.n. 2478
• Collins, n.p., 19th Century, a.n. 343
• W. Tarr, Mancherster, NH, USA, Mid 19th Century, a.n. 1847
• Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy, Mirecourt, 1st Half 20th Century, a.n. 1100
Bow Parts
• Frog, n.p. 19th Century, a.n. 1069-C2-xxvii
Accessories
• Endpin, n.p., n.d., a.n. 1615
• Mute, n.p., n.d., a.n. 471
• Mute, n.p., Late 19th Century, a.n. 467
• Mute, n.p., Late 19th Century, a.n. 469
• Mute, n.p., Late 19th Century, a.n. 470
• Tailpiece, n.p., 19th Century, a.n. 3336 [photo of a bow?]
• Tailpiece, n.p., n.d., a.n. 3457
• Tailpiece, n.p., n.d., a.n. 4439
–
Leeds
Leeds Museums & Galleries
Leeds City Museum
Millennium Square
Leeds
LS2 8BH
Contact
• Mark William Dearlove, Leeds, England, 1852/1859, i.n. N/A
Leeds Museum presentation on this instrument, its history, the conservation process, the Dearlove family and the other related items in their collections.
You Tube Link
Neal Heppleston describes the history and restoration process of the M.W. Dearlove bass.
Hepplestonlutherie.co.uk Link
–
Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool
Pier Head
Liverpool
L3 1DG
Contact
• Edward Stansfield, Liverpool, England, 1927, i.n. 57.58
–
London
Royal Academy of Music – Museum & Collections
Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5HT
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, Italian, ca. 1800, a.n. 2002.762
• Anonymous, German, 1890, a.n. 2002.764
• Anonymous, “Saxon”, 1930, a.n. 2002.766
• Bernard S. Fendt II, England, 1834, a.n. 2002.957
• Golden Strad [brand], n.p., ca. 1970. a.n. 2002.765
• Haley, n.p., 1989, a.n. 2002.774
• Stefan Krattenmacher, Germany, 2015, a.n. 2015.294
• Neuner and Honsteiner, n.p., ca.1880, a.n.
• Kai Roth, Copy of D. Montagana Venice, 2006, a.n. 2012.579
• Kai Roth, England, 2006, a.n. 2012.580
• Peter Wamsley, (Barak Norman school), n.p., ca. 1730, a.n. 2002.771
Bows
• Matthew Coltman, “Violone bow”, 2000, a.n. 2002.972
• Matthew Coltman, “Baroque Bass Violone bow”, n.d., a.n. 2002.972
• Matthew Coltman, “Baroque Bass Violone bow”, n.d., a.n. 2012.635
• Paesold, German, n.d., a.n. 2013.20
• Brian Tunnicliffe, “Baroque Double Bass Bow” (Vivaldi Project), n.p., 2006, a.n. 2012.578
–
Royal Collection Trust
Buckingam Palace
London
Contact
Basses
• Annonymous, Italian ?, “Basse de Violon” Prince Albert’s, before 1800, RCIN 69802 – MINIM Link
• Anonymous, German, 1890, a.n. 2002.764
–
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 2RL
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, “Giant”, Italy, ca.1680, m.n. 487&A-1872 – formerly owned by Dragonetti and Duke of Lanister
Bows
• Anonymous, “Duke of Leinster D. Dragonetti” m.n. 487&A-1872 – affiliated with the “Giant” described above
Bass Viols
• Richard Meares, London, 1677, m.n. 170-1882
–
Oxford
Bate Collection
Faculty of Music
St Aldate’s
Oxford
OX1 1DB
Contact
Basses
• Annonymous, German, n.d., i.n. 922
–
Snowshill
Snowshill Manor – Musical Instruments Collection – WIKI
Snowshill
near Broadway
Gloucestershire
WR12 7JU
Contact
Basses
• William Tarr, Manchester, ca. 1850, i.n. NT 1335359 – Further Info
Bows
• Anonymous, n.p., n.d., i.n. NT 1335420 – Further Info
–
North America
Canada
–
Ontario – ON
–
Toronto
Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto
100 Queen’s Park
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2C6
Contact
R.S. Williams’ Collection of Historic Musical Instruments
Basses
• Gasparo di Salo, Italy, 1600, a.n. NA – attributed to Dragonetti, later owned by Duke of Lanister
Further Info 1
Further Info 2
Further Info 3
–
United States of America
–
Arizona
–
Phoenix
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E. Mayo Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85050
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, Mexico, n.d., i.n. MIM-PH-2012.278.2 – cited in Brussels Museum Online Catalog (?)
• A Double Bass made from a metal calcium carbide container and bolts, with a fingerboard and scroll salvaged from a bass smashed in a car wreck – Source Page
Octobass
• Copy of Vuillaume’s Octobass – Article
Connecticut
–
New Haven
Yale Collection of Musical Instruments
15 Hillhouse Ave
New Haven, CT
Postal Address
P.O. Box 208278
New Haven, CT 06520-8278
Church Basses
• Abraham Prescott Jr., Deerfield, NH, ca. 1820, a.n. 4817
• J. Wait, American, 1829, a.n. 4823
Bass Bows
• George F. Schwartz, Strasbourg, ca.1825, a.n. 5018
Massachusetts
–
Boston
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Avenue of the Arts
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Contact
Basses
Anonymous, England, 19th Century, a.n. 17.1732a
Abraham Prescott, Deerfield, NH, 1823, a.n. 1987.22
Bows
• Anonymous, England, Late 18th Century, a.n. 1974.31
• Anonymous, England, 19th Century, a.n. 17.1732b
• Anonymous, United States, 19th Century, a.n. 1991.1176
• Anonymous, United States, 1800-1850, a.n. 1987.27
• Anonymous, United States, 1820-1840, a.n. 2011.1981
American Bass Viols
• Anonymous, United States, 1800-25, a.n. 1982.475
• Anonymous, United States, 19th Century, a.n. 1987.21
• Benjamin Crehore, Dorchester, MA, 1788, a.n. 1976.147
• Benjamin Crehore, Milton, MA, about 1800, a.n. 1976.156
• Benjamin Crehore, Milton, MA, about 1800, a.n. 1983.148
• Benjamin Crehore, Milton, MA, about 1800, a.n. 1984.79
• William Green, Medway, MA, 1807, a.n. 2009.2222
• Abraham Prescott, Deerfield, NH, 1825-30, a.n. 65.2687
• Abraham Prescott, Concord, NH, 1833-45, a.n. 1987.16
• Benjamin Whittemore Willard, Lancaster, MA, 1810, a.n. 1987.15
American Bass Viol Bridges
• Anonymous, United States, Early 19th Century, a.n. 1982.6
Bass Guitars
• Pedro Reyes, Mexico, 2103, a.n. 2013.1659
Michigan
–
Ann Arbor
Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments, University of Michigan
Earl V. Moore School of Music Building
The University of Michigan (North Campus)
1100 Baits Drive (Off Broadway Street)
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Contact 1 – Contact 2
Basses
• Anonymous, Madeira, 19th Century, i.n. 1318
• Anonymous, “HalbBass”, Germany/Austria, 19th Century, i.n. 1317
Basseto
• Andreas Kembler, “Violoncello/Bassetto”, Dillingen, 1772, i.n. 1315
Other Bass Instruments
• Trumpet Marine, Germany, 19th Century, i.n. 1272
• Trumpet Marine, Italy, 18th Century, i.n. 1273
New York
–
Albion
Cobblestone Church Museum
14393 Ridge Road West
Albion, NY 14411
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, Three Strings Bass, Early to Mid 19th Century (est.), i.n. (unknown) – Photo
–
New York City
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10028-0198
Contact
Basses
• Bartolomeo Cristofori, Florence, 18th Century, a.n. 1980.112 * [former attribution]
• Johann Ulrich Eberle, Prague, 1734, a.n. 1983.130
• Carleen M. Hutchins, Contrabass Violin, 1985, a.n. 1988.424.7
• Plumerel, Mirecourt, 18th Century, a.n. 89.4.941 a, b
• Abraham Prescott, Deerfield, NH, ca. 1820, a.n. 1980.492
Bows
• Anonymous, United States, Mid-19th Century, a.n. 1983.129
• Anonymous, German, ca. 1850-1900, a.n. 1982.482
• Anonymous, German, ca. 1925, a.n. 53.56.6
• Anonymous, n.p., Mid-20th Century, a.n. 1983.118
Bass Viols & Church Basses
• William Green, Medway, MA, 1807, a.n. 1982.101
• William Darracott, Jr., Milford, NH, 1861, a.n. 1979.204
• Abraham Prescott, Concord, NH, ca. 1831-50, a.n. 1990.218.3
Electric Basses
• Jens Ritter, 2011, Deidesheim, a.n. 2012.103.1, .2
Other Bass Instruments
• Bass Balalaika, Russia. Early 20th Century, a.n. 89.4.3357
• Bass Mandora, Italy, ca. 1700–1799, a.n. 89.4.2923
• Tamburica Berda, New York, NY, Early 20th Century, a.n. 1992.277
Experimental Instruments
• Kenneth Lee Butler, “Paddle / Bow Bass”, New York, NY, 1981-86, a.n. 1996.57
Ohio
–
Oberlin
Frederick R. Selch Collection of American Music History – Musical Instruments Collection
Oberlin College & Conservatory
Bertram and Judith Kohl Building
101 North Professor Street
Oberlin, Ohio 44074
Collection Info
Curator – Dr. James O’Leary
Selch Collection contains some 60 Bass Viols and 5 Double Basses – Direct Video Link [5:06] narrated by Mrs. Selch herself.
Photo of the original storage space for basses at the Selch family New York City home
• At the present time “The Collection’s nearly 700 musical instruments will be available for study once the inventorying, currently underway, is complete.” – Info Link Heading: “Series 5: Musical Instruments”
–
Norwalk
Firelands Museum – Wiki Info
4 Case Ave
44857 Norwalk, OH
Contact – Info on the main page
Basses
• J.B. Allen Co., Springfield, MA, 1842, i.n. NA – Online Discussion 1 – Online Discussion 2
Bass Bows
• Unidentified, Associated with the bass described above
South Dakota
–
Vermillion
National Music Museum, The University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Contact – Personnel
Viols
• Contrabass Viola da Gamba, attributed to Gasparo da Salo, Brescia, before 1609, i.n. NMM 3431
• Contrabass Viola da Gamba, attributed to Giovanni Paolo Maggini, Brescia, before 1630, i.n. NMM 3432
• Bass Viola da Gamba, Johannes Florenus Guidantus, Bologna, 1728, i.n. NMM 3352
Other Bass Instruments
• Electric Upright Bass Guitar, Gibson, Inc., Kalamazoo, ca. 1938, i.n. NMM 10474.
• Mando-Bass, Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company, Kalamazoo, ca. 1923-1924, i.n. NMM 5910.
Washington – DC
–
Washington
National Museum of African American History & Culture
1400 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20560
Contact
Basses
• Unidentified, late 20th century, n.p., o.n. 2013.160.1 (former owner Stanley Clarke)
Electric Basses
• Alembic, Stanley Clarke Signature Standard 4, after 1990, o.n. 2013.160.2.1
• Fender, Precision Bass, 1976, o.n. 2018.107.18.1 (former owner Jim Vance)
• Meshell Ndegeocello, Reverend Fellowship Bass, 2014, o.n. 2015.8.1-.2
• Oasis Guitars, 1976-1978, o.n. 2015.212ab (used by Robert “Kool” Bell)
• Peavey, T-40, 1980s, o.n. 2012.53.1ab (used by John Noorwood Fisher)
• Washburn Guitars, Bootsy Collins Space Bass, 2002, o.n. 2015.234.1.1-.2
–
National Museum of American History
Constitution Avenue, NW
Between 12th and 14th Streets
Washington, D.C.
Contact
Basses
• Anonymous, Three String, 1740-1760, n.p., a.n. 26256, id.n. MI.095305
• Anonymous, German, 1872-1882, a.n. 12809, id.n. MI.072847
• Abraham Prescott, Three String, Concord, NH, 1831-1833, a.n. 1981.0866
• ALCOA, Joseph Maddy All-Aluminum String Bass, Buffalo, NY, Seral #429, 1934, a.n. 1993.0180
• Dante Gabute, Testore Model, 7/8, 1990, Angelus City, Philippines, a.n. 2015.0096
Bows
Bass Viols
• Ben & T.C. Barton, (Church Bass) Demorestville, Ontario, Canada, 1849, a.n. 2012.0218 (former owner Ron Carter)
• David M. & Lyman Dearborn, Concord, NH, 1831, a.n. 1980.0331
• Abraham Prescott, Concord, NH, 1831-1833, a.n. 312074, id.n. MI.75.01
• Abraham Prescott, Concord, NH, 1833-1840, a.n. 272086, id.n. MI.66.492
Electric Basses
• Danelectro, 6 String, Red Bank, NJ, 1958, a.n. 2006.0004, id.n. 2006.0004.02
• Fender, Precision Bass (reissue 1967), Scottsdale, AZ, 1995, a.n. 1995.0186, id.n. 1995.0186.02
• Stuart Spector, Woodstock, NY, 2016, id.n. 2016.3139.02
Viola da Gambas
• Anonymous, Four String (likely a 19th c. conversion), London, England, ca. 1690, a.n. 1991.0406, id.n. MI.65.0595
• Barak Norman, London, England, 1718, a.n. 259387, id.n. MI.65.1412
Australia
Australia
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Sidney
Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris Street
Ultimo, NSW, 2007
Contact – Search OPAC
Basses
• Anonymous, Germany, 1890-1910, r.n. 88/463
• John Devereux, Melbourne, ca. 1856, r.n. 2007/97/1
• Herbert Edwin Lansdown, Lismore, 1927, r.n. 2004/6/1
Bows
• Anonymous, “Dragonetti style head”, n.p., 20th Century, r.n. H9312
• Anonymous, Germany, 1950-1970, r.n. 88/465
• Archibald Hill, Ballarat, ca. 1905-1915, r.n. 2009/3/5
• Lennox Holt, Brisbane, ca. 1975 – 1990, r.n. 2009/3/6
• Robert Proctor, Perth, probably 1980-1990, r.n. 2009/3/4
Bass Luthiere Tools
• Belonged to Chic Denny, Sydney, New South Wales, n.p., n.d., r.n. 2005/123/1
Theater Prop Item
• “Double bass”, theatrical prop, polystyrene/fibreglass, designed by Eamon D’Arcy, r.n. 2001/84/40
[Used during the Opening Ceremony for the Sydney Olympic Games 2000]
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Instrument Citations & Abbreviations
A specific format of instrument citations and abbreviations used in this listing is explained here. Each instrument citation starts with the name of luthier that follows the pattern of First- Middle-Last name, where the last name is printed in Bold and serves as an alphabetical reference. The citation string continues with the Place of manufacture, the Date of manufacture and ends with the Inventory Number associated with the particular museum.
For example:
- Joe Able Doe, London, 1888, i.n. 123-456
However, given that many instruments lack some or all of the common data designators, a substitute for them has been arranged in the following format:
- Luthier – For missing attribution of a Luthier a common Anonymous will be cited and such citation will be placed on the top of the list regardless of the date of manufacture.
- Place – For missing attribution of place you will find a substitute of either a country or a simple “n.p.” acronym that stands for No Place.
- Date – For missing date or an estimation of a date, an acronym of “n.d.” will be placed indicating No Date.
- Inventory Number – most citations will contain the Inventory Number – “i.n.”, although some museums may use a different designator such as Accession Number – “a.n”, Museum Number – “m.n.” or a Registration Number – “r.n.” Where the inventory number is missing you will find “NA” that stands for Not Available
Otherwise all citations follow the data exactly as presented by a particular museum or a person that has provided the attribution data for them.
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Organizations & Societies
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International Organizations
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CIMCIM – The International Committee of Museums and Collections of Musical Instruments
An international organization that defines professional standards for documentation, presentation and conservation of musical instruments in museums and collections. Its French acronym stands for Comité International des Musées et Collections d’Instruments et de Musique – in English: The International Committee of Museums and Collections of Musical Instruments. CIMCIM itself is a part of the ICOM – International Council of Museums , which is a unique global museum organization dedicated to promotion and preservation of world cultural heritage. Through the scope of its activities CIMCIM directly influences a world heritage of bass instruments as well.
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AMIS – The American Musical Instrument Society
A description from the Society’s front page illustrates the scope of AMIS activity the best: “An international organization founded in 1971 to promote better understanding of all aspects of the history, design, construction, restoration, and usage of musical instruments in all cultures and from all periods.”
Databases
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MIMO – Musical Instrument Museums Online
MIMO is an organization that represents a consortium of musical instrument museums, and along offers a world biggest online database of musical instruments in the form of two online catalogs. The MIMO Professional, designed for professional catalogers use, and the MIMO International, designed for general public with comfortable and engaging visual interface. In terms of content coverage both databases present the same data. Currently, some 10 museums that own double basses and other types of period string bass instruments have been located in MIMO online catalogs. All of their bass instruments you will find indexed directly under the name of each museum.
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Europeana is a general aggregator of digital content form a multitude of European museums, libraries, archives and multi-media collections that also feature musical instruments. The search undertaken for the purpose of assembling this page has however revealed that Europeana only transfers the MIMO holdings, while it does not offer any other source of citations for double bass instruments. Thus it may be easier to browse MIMO International should one wish to focus only on musical instruments search.
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Museums of Musical Instruments Individual Databases
Aside from MIMO and Europeana, many museums offer their own individual databases that may or may not overlap with MIMO’s own database. In some instances, and where available, you will find links to those online catalogs cited directly by the name of a particular museum.
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Page Development
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Searched:
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Musical Instruments Databases
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Search: Contrebasse | 185 entries as of December 6, 2015 – includes also bass bows in French museums and wind brass instruments
Search: Double bass | 146 entries as of December 6, 2015 – includes also ethnic / folk bass instruments, bass accessories, bass bows as well as bass drums.
Search: Double basses | 146 entries as of December 6, 2015 – almost identical selection as above
Search: Double bass viol | 4 entries as of December 6, 2015
Search: Kontrabas | 118 entries as of December 6, 2015 – includes some wind brass instruments
Search: Kontrabass | 110 entries as of December 6, 2015 – similar entries as in “Double bass” search, yet with some different items as well
Search: Violone Grosso | 16 entries as of December 6, 2015
Search: Contrebasse | 186 entries as of December 6, 2015
Search: Double bass | 193 entries as of December 6, 2015
Search: Kontrabass | 110 entries as of December 6, 2015
Search: Violone | 18 entries as of December 6, 2015
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Museum Databases
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Search: Contrebasse | 69 items as of December 11, 2015 ( not all entries are related to string basses)
Search: Contrebasse de Viole | 6 entries as of December 11, 2015
Search: Double Bass | 23 entries as of December 11, 2015
French Interface *
Search: Contrebasse | 49 entries as of December 16, 2015 – not all related to string basses, also including bows
Search: Contrabas | 1 entry as of December 16, 2015
Dutch Interface *
Search: Contrabas | 33 entries as of December 16, 2015 – seems to yield some instruments not presented in French search “Contrebasse”
English Interface *
Search: Bass | 116 entries as of December 16, 2025 – most of them non string-bass related, yet some cited that were not in any of the above (?)
Search: Double Bass | 16 items as of December 16, 2015
Search: Violone | 6 entries as of December 16, 2025
* Please Note – You will get the results as cited above, only if you use specific keyword searches within the indicated interface language.
Search: Bass | 231 entry as of December 8, 2015 – majority not related to string basses, yet offering much other iconographic material
Search: Kontrabass | 32 entries as of December 12, 2015 – not all related to string basses, also including iconography
Search: Bass | 401 entries as of December 15, 2015 – mostly non string basses, includes also bass viols and a variety of period stringed instruments associated with a certain bass function
Search: Bass Viol | 14 entries as of December 15, 2015 – retrieves bass viols, viola da gambas and few other associated period stringed instruments – not included in this catalog
Search: Contrabass | 1 entry as of December 16, 2015
Search: Double bass | 59 entries as of December 16, 2015 – not all related to string basses, also includes double bass accessories
- Citations acquired by additional searches of the American, Australian, Austrian, German, Italian, Spanish and British online catalogs
Page Development Assistance
ABP is grateful on any information that may widen the scope of this listing. Should you know of any other Museum or a Collection of Musical Instruments that incorporates double basses, please contact ABP and your effort will be credited here.
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Created by Igor Pecevski
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Last Update: April 26, 2022
Posted: December 30, 2015
Academic Bass Portal 
