Blake first approached us about building a copy of his amazing Santagiuliana double bass, one of the finest examples from this Italian legend. This instrument was such a success, he brought us his gorgeous 1781 Gagliano double bass to be copied. Every step of the way he has been overly generous in providing feedback and insight, resulting in remarkable basses. Blake is also collaborating with us on Upton Bass Rosin, developed with his feedback for optimal feel and tone under the bow.
Assistant Principal Bass Blake Hinson joined the New York Philharmonic in September 2012. Previously he served as principal bass of the Grand Rapids Symphony for two seasons, played with the New World Symphony as a fellow, and performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra. A native of West Des Moines, Iowa, Hinson was accepted at age 16 to The Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Philadelphia Orchestra principal bass Harold Robinson and Edgar Meyer. He spent three summers at the Aspen Music Festival and School on fellowship, where he played in the Aspen Chamber Symphony and Aspen Festival Orchestra and won the 2006 low strings competition. Hinson won third prize in the 2009 International Society of Bassists Double Bass Competition and made his solo debut at Boston’s Symphony Hall.
