Here is a Bass I recently acquired with some fairly broad shoulders in a medium sized 3/4 length Italian Bass. According to the
*label it was made in Florence by "Petrus Antonius Malvolti". His work period was from about 1700-1733. He is also listed by Jalovec as the possible teacher of Gabrielli whose style is considered to be similar.
*It is not known for sure if the label is a match for the bass. It might or might not be. Malvolti is not a very prolific maker with much to compare it to.
A few years ago, the former owner took this Bass up to Mario Lamarre in Montreal and had it modified with a detachable neck for travel. The work is beautiful and the Bass feels as solid as can be.
Although the shoulders look huge, it plays quite easily. Playing high up in thumb position however is difficult for me. I guess it was made before the thought of a Bass solo was ever considered..
Note: These pictures were borrowed from Mario's website. I hope he doesn't mind the free advertising.
