Carlene Hutchins’ Small Bass Violin

Description

In the 1940s, the instrument making innovator Carlene Hutchins collaborated with Harvard physicist Frederick Saunders to explore resonance acoustics, leading to renewed thinking about the violin family. This work resulted in the creation of the New Violin Family, an ensemble of string instruments, each tuned a half-octave apart.

Pictured here is the Small Bass Violin, originally built for composer Henry Brant as part of Hutchins’ renowned Violin Octet. While close to a bass in construction, this instrument is tuned A-D-G-C with a 39” string length. It maintains traditional violin proportions, featuring symmetrical bouts and a narrow, uniform 4” rib depth.

In need of repair and will sell for $10,000.