Specifications / Caractéristiques :
Vibrating length: 104.5 cm
Width from table to shoulders: 46 cm
Min. width at C’s: 33.8 cm
Max width of the table: 65 cm
Table length: 112 cm
Tuning fork of the table: 59.8 cm
Depth: 20.2 cm
Origin / Origine :
This double bass has no label or original iron mark. It is therefore not possible to determine its author with certainty.
The overall style, details and period of manufacture strongly indicate the House of Collin-Mézin, or someone close to it. Typical for Mirecourt of this period is that the makers often bought instruments from their colleagues when it was convenient for them to do so.
Thus one can often find instruments that are identical in manufacture, with a different finish and label. Labels such as “made by Deblaye for Collin-Mezin” have also been seen.
This type of double bass is often called the Solo model, or Nany model after the famous soloist Edouard Nany.
At the beginning of the 20th century this model was adopted by almost all double bass makers in France. German copies were also made, and many older, larger double basses were ‘cut’ and reduced to this format.
The model is very well suited for soloists and chamber music.
Due to its limited proportions this type of instrument is very easy to play and very accessible for high positions.
Adepts and students of the school of François Rabbath will particularly appreciate this double bass.
Attributed to Collin-Mézin
General condition / Etat général :
This double bass has been built with a supply of wood of exceptional quality, and the quality of the workmanship is also of the highest standard.
It is built with violin corners instead of the simpler viola da gamba corners, which makes it more elegant.
In order to resolve the rather high tension, from which the instruments of this model sometimes suffer, I have re-enclosed the neck to give it more support and reduce the pressure on the table.
The instrument is freer and access to the treble is even easier.
A new 1st quality fingerboard has been added as well as a complete assembly.
The instrument is in an exceptional state of preservation with all its vital parts and its original varnish.
There is only one fracture on the table, but it has been repaired quite correctly and has therefore not moved since it was made 25 years ago.
This double bass is extremely easy to play and has a surprisingly great sound for an instrument with a relatively small chest.