Introduction to the Double Bass

Raymond Elgar

p. 114

The Bottesini Testore

Made by Carlo Guiseppe Testore in 1694, this is probably the best known of all basses in the world. The constant companion of Bottesini, he used this instrument for all of his solo performances. The high shoulders have been cut down to make playing upon it more comfortable. The varnish is medium brown similar to the Amati varnish. Messrs, Hill and Sons’ opinion dated 1930 authenticating the instrument, remarks that the head is not original, but is old, well matched and in keeping with the instrument. The owner of the bass is one of London’s leading professional players.

The principal dimensions in inches are:

Length of belly, 43 1/2.

Width of upper bouts, 19 3/8.

Width of waist, 14 3/8.

Width of lower bouts, 25 3/8.

Ribs: Lower 7 5/8. Waist 7 3/4. Upper 7 1/8.

String stop, 42 1/8.

Overall length, 72 7/8.

p. 116 (In reference to various Double-bass methods)

G. Bottesini. French publication by Escudier. Later an English translation by Hawkes. The general text, which is excellent, is spoiled by the fingering now outmoded and the fact that the treatise is written for a three-stringed bass.