Two beautiful examples of “Andreas Morelli” double basses, both are playing great with recent Upton restorations!
Andreas Morelli-labeled basses have a reputation of being perhaps a tick up from Juzek and being very good all-rounder basses. They have longer bodies than the typical Juzek and a longer string length. As built – and preserved as seen here in the darker bass at right – Morelli basses have a 43″ string length. That extra string pull isn’t for everybody, on the lighter restoration it’s been brought down to 42″ via a custom t-nut. Both necks are original and healthy!
The lighter Morelli is probably 1920s – this one got a complete tear down to the parts and bare wood. That color came through when we clear-coated it! Beautiful old-growth wood. Both basses were most likely built by the Karl Hermann shops in Markneukirchen, Germany. Eric Roy mentions from the internal construction, there could be a kinship with German-made Hawkes instruments.
Something a little different, and a good value. These basses really project and are beautiful to look at. They’re both good value-holding historic instruments too!
Fresh setups on both basses – contact us to compare or make your own at UB: +1 (860) 535-9399.
