This early example from Martini and possibly the first Bass he made arrived here 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 the world famous Italian Luthier Sergio Scaramelli in Ferrara (labeled within) who also restored the famous Dragonetti Gasparo d'Salo recently. On 12/05 Luthier Arnold Schnitzer/AES added this beautiful Chromatic 'C' Extension to this fine example by Martini.

A few years later while examining the Bass it was determined that it could also benefit from a Neck graft (its first) as well as some further internal restoration 'clean-up' work. The original Oppio neck was soft by comparison and several Shims had been made over time to straighten the Neck underneath the Fingerboard. The new Neck is not only a super hard piece of English Sycamore but was pitched back slightly further to increase the Bridge height which in turn increased the power of this alread cannon-like Bass. This work also included a new Bridge to accomated the added height and new Fingerboard made to the exhisting specs so as not to change the feel too much of my favorite Bass. The latest work performed (March of 2008) ensures the best structural and tonal capabilities of this beautifully made early Bass by Martini. This is actually my main personal Bass for Orchestra playing as well as other styles.

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 the celebrated Violin maker Stefano Scarampella (1843-1927) and was only about 25-26 years old when this Bass was completed. Martini, a Bassist himself from the age of 14 is noted especially for his Double Basses for which he won a Medal in Gold at the 1937 competition at Cremona. The Gold medal Double Bass by Martini is still on display at the 'Museo Stradivariano'. An appraiser in Italy mentioned to me that this Bass closely resembles Scarampella's Cello model in its design. This is the earliest dated Martini Instrument I have seen or even heard about and may very well be the fisrt Bass he made. It is noted that out of the 405 Instruments made by him by 1946, there are 45 Double Basses recorded (300 Violins, 10 Violas, 50 Cellos). I have seen 5 of his Basses so far.

Features: Unique Martini Neck Block design with deeply carved Button and Neck Strips.

This Bass has been Sold.