Violin vs Gamba vs Busetto

[Thomas Erickson]

Seems like kind of a tough call -

On one hand, violin corners are very elegant; well executed they add a lot of visual appeal to a bass and can show off the maker's skills, but I tend to think that given the long and rough life most basses lead the exposed corners are a liability not only to themselves but more importantly the rest of the top and back plates. They're also going to make an already expensive instrument even harder for the musician to afford.

Perhaps the cornerless design has a lot going for it, but it seems to me like there would be some problems just in moving the bass around, resting it on a chair, etc. Also, it kind of demands that the ribs be made in one long piece, calling for bigger wood and leaving a chance (I think) for worse (maybe just more unusual) damage as the long ribs crack along the length; although, the smooth sides might avoid getting knocked around so much and avoid damage, I dunno. And, the cornerless bass just looks odd, IMO. Not bad, just... odd. I don't need any more attention at the gig, do you?

Busetto corners - well, they look fine, but they sure don't do anything for the bass except add to the cost, and probably complicate repairs down the road.

So... I tend to favor gamba shapes. I really like the idea used in Arnold's ergonomic bass though, with just the top corners as a concession to practicality and tradition.