Grancino Bass

Work of Giovanni Baptista Grancino, made in Milan, Italy, circa 1699. The instrument bears the makers label within reading, "Gia. Bapt. Grancino in Contrada Largha di Milano anno 1699".

The instrument is a seven-eighth size Bass Violin. The instrument is violin-cornered, with a modified swellback design. The top table is a three-piece sectional plate of slab cut spruce. The back table is a one-piece plate of slab cut willow. The ribs are of similar character willow to that of the back table. The scroll is original of plain grain maple. The neck is a plain grain maple neck graft. The gears are individual brass tuning gears inlaid into the cheeks of the scroll. The instrument is set up for the modern school of steel string playing with a tension compensating saddle and a Kolstein Adjustable Bass Bridge. The varnish is a deep reddish color. The Bass is in mint condition.