Custode Marcucci, Ravenna (Anno 1897, #271)

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Pino Cazzaniga

Ken, congratulations!
I have seen three instruments of this maker, and they are great in workmanship, character and sound.
The poplar wood of the back (is it poplar, right?) is consistent with them.
The maker is a legend here: self educated, probably illiterate, he was a barrel maker, then he begun making instruments and leg prosthesis...
Hope to see your find soon on your site!

Thanks Pino. I will post some pics in the near future. It is an old bass of his period from what I can tell. yes on the Poplar back and sides and slab cut pine top in 2 pieces. The neck/scroll however is maple with some nice flame and all original. Same exact scroll and varnish as the 1898 bass of his that I compered to. This one has had a block cut and was a longer mensure before. The top and back is also beautifully purfled with violin size purfling.

These are the measurements;

Mensur... 106.7 (42") (modified/shortened with block cut)


Body (Top).. 112cm (44")

Back (over button).. 115.6cm (45 1/2")

Upper Bout... 48.6cm (19 1/8")
Middle Bout...35.9cm (14 1/8")
Lower Bout....64.8cm (25 1/2")

Ribs (ribs only, without top and back).. 20.3cm (8")
Ribs at neck .. 14.6cm (5 3/4")

Stop length..(base of neck to bridge center notch).. 57.1cm (22 1/2")

This is a very very comfortable bass to play. Even easier to play than my former Martini and Storioni was.

I have Belcanto G, D, A and Flexocor 92 stark E/C on the bass. It sounds beautiful and so easy to be musical. It has also an Eb neck which for me is better.