Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Upright Bass Sales & Repair
Since 1996, the Double Bass Workshop has been dedicated to meeting the needs of bassists across Southern Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. Our expertise lies in the meticulous repair, restoration, and sales of upright basses, combining time-honored techniques with traditional materials to ensure optimal results. We specialize in comprehensive setup work, including fingerboard shaping, bridge adjustments, and custom C extensions tailored to individual playing styles. Our inventory features a curated selection of carved and hybrid basses from renowned workshops, alongside essential accessories.With every repairfrom minor adjustments to full-scale restorationswe prioritize structural integrity and tonal quality, using methods refined over decades. Our commitment to customer service extends to providing loaner instruments during repairs, ensuring uninterrupted musical engagement. Owned and operated by Vince Jesse, our shop blends technical precision with a deep understanding of bassists' unique demands, fostering trust through transparency and craftsmanship.
Services
Repair & Restoration
Upright Bass Sales
Custom C Extensions
Instrument Setup
Rental Instruments
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in double bass repair and restoration.
- Our team uses traditional glue and time-tested techniques for durable results.
- Custom C extensions and playing setup tailored to individual musicians' needs.
- We provide loaner instruments during repair periods for uninterrupted practice.
- Inventory includes rare carved basses from European workshops and hybrid models.
Services
Repair & Restoration
Specializing in all levels of double bass repair, from minor adjustments to full restorations. We use traditional hide glue and time-tested methods to address cracks, neck damage, and structural issues while preserving tonal integrity. Our process includes precise bass bar fitting, plate edge reinforcement, and varnish touch-ups to restore functionality and aesthetics.
Upright Bass Sales
Offering a curated selection of carved and hybrid upright basses for professionals and students. Our inventory includes European-made instruments from Rubner, Shen, and Eastman, featuring carved spruce tops, flamed maple backs, and hybrid constructions. Each bass undergoes a professional setup to ensure optimal playability and sound quality before sale.
Custom C Extensions
Designing and installing custom C extensions to enhance lower-range accessibility on upright basses. These precision-crafted additions integrate seamlessly with existing fingerboards, allowing extended technique without compromising structural integrity or tonal balance for advanced players.
Instrument Setup
Comprehensive setup services optimizing playability and sound production. We adjust bridge curvature, soundpost placement, nut height, and string action to match individual playing styles. This includes installing adjustable bridges, upgrading tuning machines, and fitting high-quality strings for improved tonal response.
Rental Instruments
Providing short-term rental options for students and traveling musicians. Our rental fleet includes durable Shen SB88 hybrid basses suitable for educational settings. We also offer temporary loaner instruments during repair periods to ensure continuous practice and performance opportunities.
People
Vince Jesse
Proprietor
Vince Jesse founded Double Bass Workshop in 1996, bringing decades of experience in stringed instrument craftsmanship. His expertise in double bass repair and acoustics has made the shop a regional hub for bassists seeking specialized care. Vince combines technical precision with a musician's understanding of performance requirements.
Questions
What services does Double Bass Workshop specialize in?
We specialize in double bass repair, restoration, sales, and custom modifications including C extensions and professional setups.
Do you offer rental instruments?
Yes, we provide short-term rentals of Shen SB88 hybrid basses for students and traveling musicians.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Madison, Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest region for both sales and repair services.
Are loaner instruments available during repairs?
Yes, we offer temporary loaner basses to ensure uninterrupted practice while your instrument is being repaired.
Reviews (4)
Sam B.
Mar 24, 2022
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Music without Bass, Is Music without Life. Spoke with Vince for awhile on the phone, obviously he is the Bass person in the State of Wisconsin. I'm currently selling 2 of my Bass guitars and will be picking up a Bass I can feel again, nothing is like a double Bass! Hopefully my hunt for my future bass will be short.
Laurel Franklin
Jun 17, 2021
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I googled "guitar repair near me" and this business popped up. I needed some new strings on my guitar and he instantly responded rudely to call someone else. I said thank you and he HUNG UP.
Sarah Zawadiwsky
May 25, 2021
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Vince has done incredible work fixing up basses for my school district. Can't recommend him enough. I'm so excited that our students will have access to much nicer instruments now!
Lee Rettmann
Jun 02, 2019
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Great guy, passion for bass. Helped my son pick out the best bass for him, trying out everything to find the right one. He does great work for the schools as well.
