I was randomly browsing local news today when I came across this article about an old violin. The violin was crafted by J.B. Guadagnini in Milan in 1750. A singaporean violinist has the chance to play it until May 2011 – the instrument is a loan and worth US$430,000. If you are interested in the full story go here.
Having seen this price tag one question came to my mind: how much is the most expensive bass I can find?
Funny that the most expensive bass I found on the internet directed me to Germany, to Jens Ritter. There are no price tags on his website, but I found a few price ranges on the net. The Ritter Royal Flora Aurum for example is available for about $100.000 (US$).
Let me list a few of the features:
- Floral Pattern Fingerboard Inlay made of massive 24Carat Gold
- Every single Inlay-Leaf is decorated with a Black Diamond (set in Platinum)
- The Bridge, the Tuner Buttons and the Knobs are handcast in massive Gold
- 2 flawles Brillant-Cut Diamonds (3,3ct) are placed on top of the 2 Knobs
- Tiny green Brillant-Cut Diamonds serve as Knob Position Marks
- The handshaped Body is made of a one piece Highest Figured Quilted Maple
- The Nut is made of at least 10000 years old Mammoth Ivory
