John Bedingfield Double Bass no. 7 1990

This is a lovely double bass made by John Bedingfield in 1990 and labelled no 7. I bought it from its first owner who commissioned it as a five string, with the option to convert it easily back to four string if desired. I have kept it in this configuration but it was supplied with two bridges and a clever mechanism for the fifth tuner.

The varnish was damaged when I bought it, so the bass has had a new varnish and set up by George Martin including a new bridge and bottom nut.

I have used this bass professionally as my second instrument, including at my job in the Hallé and freelancing with the BBC Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a smaller bass but doesn't make a small sound, and is great in a chamber or solo setting as the scale length is very manageable.

This would be a great instrument for a student, especially one needing the low notes.

String length 102cm
Length of back 110cm

Location: Manchester/Birmingham

Certification: Original commission documents from John Bedingfield, along with a valuation from George Martin.