"The 5th Gear" Double Bass is an original Puglisi instrument which has been reworked inspired by the set-up of world renowned Bassist, Renaud Garcia- Fons. It has been set up with five strings, including a high C rather than the more typical low B. The set-up also includes Tyrolean machine heads, a customised bridge and the addition of a fishman full circle pickup.
Constructed with highly figured maple back and sides the matching scroll is a longer pattern to accommodate the 5th string. This all combines to make an instrument with great volume and clarity.
Melbourne Bassist, Rod Gear, had a chance to spend some time with this instrument. He says:
‘I walked into Ben Puglisi’s shop one mid winters afternoon with a solitary goal; I wanted a new double bass. My old bass no longer did it for me. I wanted a bass that growled from the depths of the earth and could sing with the sweetness of a morning bird. I thought I might have been after perfection, unattainable, unaffordable perfection. Ben said, “why don’t you try this bass”. After a few minutes of sheer delight I asked Ben where on planet earth did he find this bass? He told me he made it; Ben Puglisi makes those kinds of double basses’.
This instrument can be heard on many present and coming recordings with Rod Gear.
Measurements:
Upper Bout: 53.5cm
C Bout: 38cm
Lower Bout: 69cm
Body Length: 112.5cm
String Length: 42 inches
Sorry this instrument is no longer available
To see more work from Benedict please visit his website: www.benedictgpuglisi.com