Pietro Cateni, Livorno c.1790-1810 (w/Certificate)(SOLD)

[Ken Smith]

A beautiful old and rare Italian bass. The maker, Pietro Cateni of Livorno (Italy) worked from about 1780-1812. The beautiful old Italian Scroll was made for 3-strings. There are two other known Cateni basses here in USA, one of them was in the Philly Orchestra for 90 years between two different players. The F-holes are similar on all 3 as well as the model but on this Bass the Fs have just a bit more sweep to the upper and lower tabs. The original scroll on the Philly bass was made for 3-strings as well. That bass and this one coincidentally have the same old Italian tuner handles put on in Italy when it they were converted to 4-string, possibly in the same shop. The wide outer strips on the lower Ribs are also on one of the other Cateni basses as well. All three basses I was told were made with the same walnut ribs. All 3 Backs are without the typical upper angle break but are rather steeply bent from just above the upper corner blocks.

This bass was restored at least twice in USA in the last 85 years that we know of. It is slated for a full restoration in the near future but is currently playable as-is. The restoration will also include moving and re-pitching the neck for easier playing, new fingerboard and Ebony Chromatic C-Extension. All the old work will be re-done and brought up to modern standards of high quality work.

(SOLD)

Measurements:
String Length; 41 3/4"
Top/Back Length; 43 1/2" top, 44 5/8" back
Upper Bout; 20 3/4"
Middle Bout; 14 1/2"
Lower Bout; 26 1/2"
Ribs (not including plates); 9 1/4" at Block, 8 3/4" at Corner, 6 1/4" at Neck.