The Martini arrived in USA for its first time in early 2004 and was in need of an American style Set-up. Several immeadiate repairs were also performed which included a new Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge with Adjusters. The Martini was brought back to life and restored earlier in 1999 by Sergio Scaramelli in Italy (labeled within). On 12/05 Luthier Arnold Schnitzer/AES added this beautiful Chromatic 'C' Extension to this fine example by Martini.

Recently, while examining the Bass it was determined that it could benefit from a Neck graft (its first) as well as some further restoration work. A new Bridge and Fingerboard as well as re-fitting the C-Extension was also included in the restoration to bring the Martini to the highest standards possible and to ensure the best structural and tonal capabilities of this beautifully made early example by Oreste Martini. This most recent restoration was completed in March of 2008.

The Martini has a beautiful sweet dark Italian sound with penetrating power and is a joy to play as well.

Oreste Martini (1893-1957) is believed to have been a pupil of S.Scarampella and was only about 25-26 years old when this Bass was completed. Martini, a Bassist himself is noted especially for his Basses for which he won a Medal in Gold. It is not known for sure if this was made in the Scarampella workshop or young Martini's own shop. An appraiser in Italy quotes that it resembles a Scarampella Cello in its design. Scarampella may have been just a friend or mentor to young Martini and not his teacher as one authority on the early 20th century Italian makers has told me. This is the earliest dated Martini Instrument I have seen and may very well be the fisrt Bass he made. It is noted that out of the 405 Instruments made by him, he made only 45 Double Basses (300 Violins, 10 Violas, 50 Cellos). I have seen 4 of his Basses myself.

The External Rib Linings seen here have been used in Italy as early as the late 18th Century by Beretta, a pupil of Guadagnini and by many of the early English Double Bass Makers such as Dodd, Lott, Hill and Fendt.