The Mittenwald Model represents our interpretation of the classic instruments from the German municipality of Mittenwald, located in Bavaria on the northern foothills of the Alps.
Violinmaking took root in Mittenwald in the late 17th Century, with the establishment of Matthias Kloz’s shop in 1686. With abundant resources of spruce and maple at his disposal and a favorable trade location, he and his sons would establish a design style, refined by exposure to northern Italian masters, that lives on to this day. The Mittenwald Model contrabass is the result of Kloz’s vision and innovation.
Our work on a direct copy of a Kloz pattern, and the building of a larger instrument in the same style (featured in the video below) led us to define this new model. The contrabasses from the Mittenwald school are characterized by a high-shouldered gamba pattern with outside linings on deep ribs, resulting in a fine orchestral double bass. Our version incorporates all the ergonomic improvements and geometries found in other Upton models, with great flexibility in sizing afforded by the stout German pattern. The gamba pattern, especially when combined with a flat back, allows us to build this upright bass in the 5/8ths sizing of the Kloz copy, all the way up to a large 7/8ths pattern built to lift a string section or push a big band.
The Mittenwald is available in several build styles:
Hybrid Flat Back, from $6,000
Solid Wood Flat Back, from $8,000
Solid Wood Round Back, from $10,000
Featured Builds:
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Call us today, or visit our Mystic, CT shop to discuss the Mittenwald. Whether you want a custom orchestral double bass or are interested in a big band or any other style, we will build the perfect upright bass for you.
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