PROCESS

There is nothing more exciting than to have an instrument made especially for you, the best way to start the journey to your Heppleston Double Bass is to first try one, I usually have one available at my workshop, or if not I can arrange for one to be available.

Once you have decided that you would like to go ahead with an order we will discuss your needs and wants from the instrument. What you will be using it for, what genre of music you play, the size of instrument which would suit you etc. I can then advise you on which model and set up options could work for you and the best materials to suit your instrument and preferences.

When all the details of your bass are decided upon, a final price will be drawn up (starting prices can be found below). You will then be able to join my waiting list with a deposit of a 3rd of the final price, and a date will be set for the commencement of the build.

Usually a double bass will take around 4 months to complete, during which you will be updated with photos and progress reports throughout the build

Once your bass is complete and ready for you to collect, we can work on any extra set up changes that you require, and you will be able to start your new musical journey together.

CURRENT MODEL SIZES

MATERIALS

Front: Italian Spruce

Back and ribs: Bosnian maple, English Poplar or Balkan Poplar

Neck and scroll: Bosnian maple

Fingerboards: Ebony (Ebony alternative Sonowood also available)

Nut and Saddle: Ebony

Bridge: Maple

Tailpiece: Ebony

Purfling: Maple and Pearwood

Tuners: Brass Baker Style

Varnish: Hand applied oil varnish of my own special recipe

Neck Finish: Oil:

Strings: Your choice

Case: High quality 22mm thick padded soft case

AVAILABLE MODIFICATIONS

String length
Neck Radius Shape
Arched or flat back
Solid bridge or bridge with adjusters
Rib Depth
4 or 5 string set up
Left-handed set up
Baroque set up

AVAILBLE ADDITIONS

C-Extension - I use the capo system extension, with a full ebony board, they use a second pulley system so it is not necessary to drill through the scroll.
Side Bumpers - Ebony bumpers to protect the edgework of the bass.

Bespoke carvings - these can be custom scrolls, carving designs on the back or sides of the scroll, or even on the back of the bass itself.
Purfling designs - double purfling, custom designs and patterns can be inlayed into the instrument
Rosettes - these beautiful additions can be designed and inlayed into the front of the instrument, underneath the fingerboard.
Position markers - small maple position markers can be added to the fingerboard
Pick ups - a variety of different picks up are available and can be installed onto your double bass

CUSTOM DESIGNS AND COPYING

I have a wide range of plans for old master bass models, I can copy an existing instrument, develop or design a double bass especially with and for you.

FOR CURRENT PRICES AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COMMISSIONING A DOUBLE BASS PLEASE GET IN TOUCH BELOW:

Commissioning a new double bass