Rediscovering and Restoring the New England/American Three-string Double Bass Tradition
Advisor Information
Jeremy C. Baguyos
Location
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #333 - U
Presentation Type
Exhibit
Start Date
4-3-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
4-3-2022 3:15 PM
Abstract
The aim of the Rediscovering and Restoring the New England/American Three-string Double Bass Tradition project is to restore and conduct research on an otherwise discarded, antique three string bass from the New England area, found in extreme disrepair. The aim was to restore the bass to basic stability, functionality, & recognition, add to the primary documents about 3-string American basses, and inform future research in the area. Included in this research are performance traditions and repertoire associated with the 3-string American bass. This research will place a needed spotlight on American 3-string basses, while the rest of the world focuses on 4-string basses and mostly European performance & bass lutherie traditions.
Through the partial restoration, the bass may one day be playable in its original 3-string setup with original and authentic parts. This possibility would have never been imagined, before the partial restoration. Through the restoration and in conjunction with supplemental research, many fascinating characteristics of this relic from a bygone era of music sheds a new light on the New England three string bass tradition, preserves a piece of American music history, and reminds everyone that 3-string basses existed at one time in our history and still has potential to be a standard instrument, if more 3-string basses existed.
Scheduling Link
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Rediscovering and Restoring the New England/American Three-string Double Bass Tradition
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #333 - U
The aim of the Rediscovering and Restoring the New England/American Three-string Double Bass Tradition project is to restore and conduct research on an otherwise discarded, antique three string bass from the New England area, found in extreme disrepair. The aim was to restore the bass to basic stability, functionality, & recognition, add to the primary documents about 3-string American basses, and inform future research in the area. Included in this research are performance traditions and repertoire associated with the 3-string American bass. This research will place a needed spotlight on American 3-string basses, while the rest of the world focuses on 4-string basses and mostly European performance & bass lutherie traditions.
Through the partial restoration, the bass may one day be playable in its original 3-string setup with original and authentic parts. This possibility would have never been imagined, before the partial restoration. Through the restoration and in conjunction with supplemental research, many fascinating characteristics of this relic from a bygone era of music sheds a new light on the New England three string bass tradition, preserves a piece of American music history, and reminds everyone that 3-string basses existed at one time in our history and still has potential to be a standard instrument, if more 3-string basses existed.