We’re trying something new next week and featuring a complete week of coverage from some of our most influential double bass (and bow!) makers! We will be running a new podcast with an interview with one of these luthiers. Here’s the line-up:
Bowmaker Susan Lipkins
Monday – Susan Lipkins
A graduate of Juilliard, Susan Lipkins is one of the most respected bowmaker in the country and has made bows for Hal Robinson, Alex Hanna, Jeff Turner, Max Dimoff, Thomas Martin, and other major bassists worldwide.
We talk about Sue’s early years growing up in Queens and studying with Homer Mensch and John Shaffer at Juilliard, her inspiration to become a bowmaker, the multitude of small steps that go into making a bow, tonal characteristics of different strains of pernambuco, and advice on choosing a bow that works for each individual.
Double bass luthier Nick Lloyd
Tuesday – Nick lloyd
Nick Lloyd has become one of the top double bass makers in the country over the years, with award-winning basses being played worldwide, including talents as diverse as New York Philharmonic principal bassist Tim Cobb and YouTube sensation Adam Ben Ezra.
We talk about Nick’s early years learning the bass, apprenticing with various makers and learning the craft of bass making, the intricacies of making a bass, his standard bass designs, travel necks, his financing options for basses, and playing with the Kentucky Winders in Pakistan!
George Martin of T&G Martin Violins
Wednesday – George Martin
We are featuring George Martin from Thomas and George Martin Violin Makers. Their shop has been making basses for over 30 years, and they have a wealth of knowledge about the instrument-making and restoration process. George and I dig into these details, talking about some of his most challenging restorations and what goes into making a bass.
Our recent Contrabass Conversations guest Marc Ramirez spoke with me about finding his Cavani bass at the Martin shop (that story starts at the 80 minute mark for that episode). It was a great story and a great talk in general–be sure to check out Marc’s interview if you haven’t yet–it was episode 173 of the podcast.
Barrie Kolstein of Kolstein’s.
Thursday – Barrie Kolstein
Thursday will feature an interview from the Contrabass Conversations archives with Barrie Kolstein. John Grillo and I recorded this interview with Barrie back in 2008, and it has proved to be a very popular episode in the catalog. Barrie runs the Kolstein shop Long Island, and his instruments have been utilized by Jeff Turner of the Pittsburgh Symphony, James Van Demark of the Eastman School of Music, Scott Haigh of the Cleveland Orchestra, and many others.
John Grillo has been frequenting the Kolstein shop for years, and it was great to have John in on the conversation. This was a great chat about all sorts of bass-related topics.
Chris Threlkeld-Wiegand of Heartland String Bass Shop
Friday – Chris Threlkeld-Wiegand
Friday’s episode features another interview from the archives with bass maker Chris Threlkeld-Wiegand, who owns and operates the Heartland String Bass Shop. Chris makes beautiful basses and extensions—I actually have one of Chris’ extensions on my main bass. Chris’ basses are played in major orchestras throughout the United States and are beautiful instruments with great sound.
Enjoy Luthier Week!
I hope that you all enjoy Luthier Week, and let me know what you think! I’m exploring the idea of doing more thematic concepts like this as the podcast progress and would love to know your thoughts. You can leave a comment below or email me at feedback@contrabassconversations.com.
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