Hand-Carved,
Responsibly Sourced Wood
Double Basses
John Koehler
My Philosophy
When asked what is the biggest difference between luthiers from the past to luthiers today, I always answer, “the availability of raw materials.”
The art of making a bowed stringed instrument hasn’t changed much, but the luthiers of the past had a vast choice of old-growth timbers compared to the second or third growth trees of today. I have always tried to buy my tonewood for basses from people who use responsible forestry practices. From using dead standing trees, to not buying from pulp mills that poison maples for other more profitable species, to repurposing older wood. The advancements in alternative materials for ebony also reduces the burden on an over harvested species of tree. The forest has been good to me, and I try to give back in anyway possible.
Bass Models
| The Polonia
This model falls into the category of a standard 3/4 sized bass. The first few Polonia basses I made were based off a pattern by the Italian maker Matteo Groffriller from Venice, early 17th century. After sloping the upper bouts and a reduction of the overall size of the body, the current Polonia model is a comfortable 3/4 size bass that can be made with a carved or flat back. Flat back Polonias are made using Matthew Tucker’s responsive bracing. This allows the back to move seasonally without further damaging itself.
Tops can be made from Sitka or Engelmann spruce, Fir, or Western Red Cedar. Backs, ribs, and necks can be made from Big Leaf or European maple, North American Poplar, or Black Walnut.
String length 40”-41 1/2”
Upper bout 19 1/2”
C bout 13 5/8”
Lower bout 26 1/4”
| The Silva
The Silva is a small 3/4 sized bass with violin corners. Inspired by a bass made by GB Gabrielli from the 18th century. This bass has a little wider C bout, the middle of the body where the FF holes are. The bowed string family of instruments are designed with an arched top and two FF holes. The common thought is that sound comes out of the F holes, which in a way it does, but what it really allows is the top to pump air in and out much like a speaker works. Because the Silva bass has a bit more acreage around the bridge, and all that air pumping starts there, it has a very big and low sound. For a small bass it can get loud and low. The back can be made carved or flat. Flat backs using Matthew Tucker’s responsive bracing.
Tops can be made from Sitka or Engelmann Spruce, Fir, or Western Red Cedar. Backs can be made using Big Leaf or European Maple, North American Poplar, or Black Walnut.
String length 39”-40 1/4”
Upper bout 19 1/4”
C bout 14 1/2”
Lower bout 25”
| The 4th Street
A smaller 3/4 sized bass with a big sound. Available in carved or flat back. Flat back includes responsive bracing designed by Matthew Tucker. Co-designed with local bass player Michael Moore. Michael has an older German bass that he really likes size-wise, but it has limitations in playability and sound projection. In other words, he wanted a more playable, louder bass in the same size as the old German. He gave me free range in every other aspect of the bass. I used the Gamba outline for the body, but made the corners a bit more pointy, and the sloping shoulders for better upper register accessibility.
Top made of Sitka or Engelmann spruce. Back/ribs/neck made of Maple (Big Leaf or European), North American Poplar, Black Walnut.
String length 39”-41 1/4”
Upper bout 20”
C bout 15”
Lower bout 25 1/5”
| The V. Panormo
This model is out of current production, but was the first bass I made. Panormo was born in Monreale Italy, near Palermo. He’s thought to have studied under the Gagliano family in Naples. Working in Paris during the revolution became too dangerous, so a move to London became his final home. While in London, Panormo made everything from violins, to basses, to wind instruments. His basses in particular influenced a wide range of British bass makers including Thomas Kennedy, J.F. Lott, John Hart, and contemporary makers Thomas and George Martin.
String length 41”
Upper bout 21 3/4”
C bout 15”
Lower bout 26 3/4”
Accolades
I cannot recommend John's basses enough. My instrument is an exceptionally powerful instrument. I can hear myself clearly and have the ability to project in an orchestra setting, and the sound translates well into an amp in jazz, indie, and other club settings. Sonically, the instrument moves a lot of air and has a great low end response while maintaining clarity. In addition to robust sound and exceptional tone quality, the craftsmanship is top notch. There is a great deal of nuance in every single part of the instrument. The varnish on the instrument is striking and of top quality. I will never pine away for another bass.
Nate Sharp
Polonia Model #7
I could not possibly say enough good things about the workmanship, beauty, excellent choice of tuners, delicate curve to the C bouts, subtle yet artistic purfling, well placed FF holes, solid scroll work, and magnificent sound. The tonal qualities get better each day, and you can feel the energy of the bass each time one begins a practice session or performance. The Pelonius has a rich resonating tonal quality, requiring truly little effort to play at any position on the fingerboard, inspiring experiment and virtually demanding relearning long forgotten bow work. Truly wonderful instrument. I am not given to naming things in my world, my bass is, and will forever be called the Polonius.
Bob Aldrich
Polonia Model #3
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for making this bass (also saving it). Since receiving this bass, I’ve had huge success in my playing both in orchestral and jazz. This bass allowed me to play the Lt kide solo for orchestra and play easier in jazz. I no longer feel like I have to struggle or be in pain to make a sound from my instrument.
Emy Fraire
4th Street Model #14
"I have owned John Koehler’s Silva bass model no. 6 since 2019, the year it was made. This is also the year it won the silver medal for tone in the ISB Maker’s Competition. It is a gorgeous bass in sight and sound, and I am thrilled to be able to play it daily. It has a strong sound that leads my section in orchestra, and the pizzicato sound is crisp and clear. I play my Koehler bass in both bowed and pizz settings, and my tone is loved by my colleagues. I am especially glad that this bass is not a full ¾ size. It has the sound of a big ¾, but my hands appreciate smaller scale, and it is so easy to get around and play all over the fingerboard. This is the instrument that I will play for the rest of my life; when I turn into an old lady I will still be able to make music on this lovely instrument."
Megan Cleary
Silva Model #6
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