Lutherie

Double Bassist magazine: Matteo Gofriller c.1708 bass

2021-12-02T15:54:00

matteogrofillerbass_241099crop

Barrie Kolstein marvels at a magnificent 18th-century instrument by Matteo Gofriller, in this feature from the Autumn 2001 issue of our now-discontinued sister publication, Double Bassist

Matteo Gofriller (c.1659-1742) began his career in instrument making in his native Tyrol. In c.1690, he migrated to Venice, Italy, where he worked until his death, earning much respect for his exceptional talents as a luthier. Matteo Gofriller’s instruments display distinctive workmanship in everything from scroll carvings to channelling, purfling and f-hole cutting, to a literally breathtaking varnish. This can be seen in the bass presented here.

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