Old Bass spotted..

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Mikko Moilanen

.. Inside the bass.. I have to get a better one but you can figure something out here..

-Mikko

The Rivolta label was on the center cross bar. That label was added after I sold the Bass.

I do not have a problem with Basses being attributed to famous makers at all. The problem is that after a Bass is named a Busan and then a Gofriller or then a Maggini, it should not get a new 'faked' or 'stolen' Label each time someone wants to sell it as something else. This in my mind is 100% criminal!

Even if the Bass is what it is claimed to be, it is just that. A Label from wherever is not honest business practice unless there is 100% evidence that the exact Label WAS the real Label from that Bass and is now just being replaced.

I owned this Bass for 20 years and know it well. It's a shame that the beautiful Rivolta label was removed, real or not. Even if it was Rivolta and was THAT Bass, the price would be about as high. If it was a real Rogeri, pupil of Amati, the price would have been upwards of Half a Million Dollars.

Mikko, you have a beautiful and fantastic Bass. I have had that Bass longer than probably anyone alive today. Play it well and make some great Music. We are doing the Neilsen this week and it is coming along fairly well at rehearsals. Thanks for the tips you gave me. They have been very helpful.

[Mikko Moilanen]

My co-principal asked me "Is this bass really SO ITALIAN that it has grown to escape our section sound?". And then I noticed it. I have been playing this bass in section pianissimos very high on the fingerboard. Still it gets its sound through. A bit of shamed I have tried to really play it "ghostlike". Still it produces a huge projective sound. I pulled my bow almost to neck and suddenly it was just plain gold nad fitted in.. So there you have it. The real operational bow factor, from the bridge to far! And this is the time i can honestly say "I can manage, a bit.." with Kens old flame. It is just awesome! I wonder times Ken had it.. Nearly 20 odd years.. WAU!

-M

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Mikko Moilanen

My co-principal asked me "Is this bass really SO ITALIAN that it has grown to escape our section sound?". And then I noticed it. I have been playing this bass in section pianissimos very high on the fingerboard. Still it gets its sound through. A bit of shamed I have tried to really play it "ghostlike". Still it produces a huge projective sound. I pulled my bow almost to neck and suddenly it was just plain gold nad fitted in.. So there you have it. The real operational bow factor, from the bridge to far! And this is the time i can honestly say "I can manage, a bit.." with Kens old flame. It is just awesome! I wonder times Ken had it.. Nearly 20 odd years.. WAU!

-M

Funny Story but true..
About umpteen years ago.. (Umpteen means a lot!.. maybe.. late 1970s early 1980s?), I was on a recording session. The 1st Bass was Homer Mensch with his Gagliano. Then was John Beal with his Bergonzi and me with my/your/our Bass then labeled Rivolta (maybe Rivolta cut the shoulders when it was 100 years old already). The end of the piece had several bars rest. Then the last 4 bars the Cellos come in with a tied C----. The Basses come in a bar later for 3 bars with the C as well... to the end. Period. But, I touched the string at 4 bars when the cellos came in, stopped and then played the C from 3-bars and out. I looked over at Homer after the Tape stopped and said (leaning over across over John), "Homer, I came in and just touched the string a bar early at the end but it was with the cellos".. Homer replies, "Yes, I know, I heard it. You better go inside the Control room and tell the Producer that it was YOU!!"..

I went inside and told them. In the playback it sounded fine but I thought that I would never be hired by them again. A few days later I was on another Job for them in the studio for a TV show soundtrack and asked the Arranger about me getting hired after the last mistake I made. He replied, "We listened to all the Basses to make sure it was OK and yours sounded the best in the Mix..

Yes, my mis-labeled Bass was picked over the Bergonzi and Homer's famous Gagliano. That Bass was so sweet, I could never put it down. It was the inspiration for me to start the Smith Bass company because it was so good on every note up and down including the E string up to the bridge without a single wolf, that I went out to develop a matching electric Bass. The Ken Smith Bass. Did I come close? Guys?

Mikko, you have a very special Bass. Tell your section mates that the Bass owns you and not the other way around.

[Mikko Moilanen]

WELL,

As Ken puts it down very light, I really have a very special upright.

It looks bad, it sounds bad-ass. She is a lady.

[Mikko Moilanen]

Hi you all poindexters!

After awhile...

The old-lady has opened her knees, the sound is (well, for me) a huge amount better and in orchestra : "This is not the bass you used to play? It is more bassy tune..". At that first moment I knew that this instrument is not to die for.. I enjoy it just to live more!
It is amazing.. And let me tell you, the old Finnish weather puts everything fear-dry on hold. With this bass we have none of that. I will keep you posted if something happens
This bass is amazing and at this date, I am looking to the Ken's sent appraisals for it.. Thanks for those btw Seems to be a real lady ..

-M

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Mikko Moilanen

Hi you all poindexters!

After awhile...

The old-lady has opened her knees, the sound is (well, for me) a huge amount better and in orchestra : "This is not the bass you used to play? It is more bassy tune..". At that first moment I knew that this instrument is not to die for.. I enjoy it just to live more!
It is amazing.. And let me tell you, the old Finnish weather puts everything fear-dry on hold. With this bass we have none of that. I will keep you posted if something happens
This bass is amazing and at this date, I am looking to the Ken's sent appraisals for it.. Thanks for those btw Seems to be a real lady ..

-M

Sorry, I can't understand exactly what you are saying? Do you think this is not my old Bass? It is, 100%. Just look at the pictures I sent you. Same exact bass, wood grain and all. Only difference now is that it was converted to a 5 string, the Rivolta label removed by someone and the other label that matches your appraisal put in by someone again, maybe same person re-labeling it.

When you have a bass for 20 years and play it nearly every day, you tend to remember it. With my old pictures I showed you, there is no doubt in my mind what it is. I never knew the actual confirmed maker of this Bass regardless of the label but I do not disagree with your current appraisal attribution.

This Bass served me well and I am sure will do the same for you. Enjoy it Mikko.

[Mikko Moilanen]

Just making it know that the bass is in a good shape, despite the dry cold winter here. And soundwise it has made some real progress.
Yeah, I have the pics you sent me Ken, and it is the same bass! Nothing speculative. Al McKibbon seems to be relaxing on those. Nice pics!