G.Mougenot Vuillaume model, on stage..

[Ken Smith]

I took the Mougenot out last night for a Concert. It's only the second time I've played it in concert as well as a few rehearsals since it's restoration.

The first time was nearly a year ago and it had a test set of Flexocor Deluxe strings on it. A few days ago, I put a new set of Flexocor 92s with a stark 92 E of which I have a couple left of that string (discontinued a few years ago).

The first time I used it with the test set, it was loud but bright under the ear. Then I swapped them with my Hart and put some Jargars on the bass. Dark and smooth but the E was a bit tight on that bass, easier on the Hart which is slightly shorter has shorter after lengths. The 92s seemed to bring out the life of the bass as well as keeping it smooth and a better balance of lows and highs, almost silky smooth, Italian style.

On stage Friday night at dress rehearsal I was just getting used to the bass, it's size, shape and using the extension of which was needed for the program. I had been using other basses and just tuning down to D but that got old fast being that I didn't have to as I have basses with extensions if needed.

Last night at the concert with a full house and the stage quiet without any chatter or noise like you might have at rehearsal, the bass sounded great. The Pizz was good as well and the low end of that bass, cut through everything, especially the extension notes.

It was a Pop's program and we had 6 basses in the section of which I sat 4th to help anchor the section of mainly non-professional players.

This was the venue;
Americana Program
Gustav Holst: Walt Whitman Overture, Op. 7
George Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F Major
Claire Huangci, pianist
Aaron Copland: Suite from The Tender Land
Leonard Bernstein: Three Dance Episodes from On The Town


The Mougenot is a much better bass than I had previously thought. The sound projects as good as any bass I have had in here. It will suit an Orchestra player just fine as well as blend in with or enhance any section the bass sits in. It is not a solo bass by any means but for orchestra playing, I think it's a top notch professional instrument.