How is it that Larry Grenadier, Christian McBride, and Esperanza Spalding all play basses from the same luthier?
What’s the difference, really, between a round back and flat back bass?
How the heck to you go from local luthier to international fame?
We answer these questions and much more on this episode featuring Benedict Puglisi.
Benedict is a luthier from the Melbourne, Australia area with a reputation that is spreading across the globe.
I was in the audience for Christian McBride’s concert at the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention, which was played on one of Benedict’s basses. This bass has a “sister” which is owned by Larry Grenadier. The only difference? One is a carved, round back and the other is a flat back.
Well, this was an experiment by Benedict to try to solve the age-old debate on tonal and response differences between those two kinds of backs.
We dig into that, his journey to where he is now, and much more.
Here’s the flow for the episode:
- Part 1 – how Christian McBride and Larry Grenadier came to own Benedict’s basses
- Part 2 – attempting to end the flat back / round back debate
- Part 3 – from local luthier to internationally known bass maker – Benedict’s story
Links to check out:
- Atelier Puglisi (Benedict’s shop)
- Benedict’s website
Check out more luthier conversations and gear-related episodes at contrabassconversations.com/luthiers
Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:
The Upton Bass String Instrument Company. Upton’s Concord model is the first truly authentic New England double bass that they’ve made. Beautiful sloping shoulders (the same upper bouts as their Gary Karr Upton Double Bass), Busetto corners, Prescott ff-holes, flat maple back and sides (many grades available) with deep ribs (lined outside) and a deluxe spruce top combined with a finely detailed scroll, button and hand-cut tuners that pay homage to Prescott while keeping with their own highly-revered and uniquely New England tradition of instrument building.
Bass Violin Shop – Offers the Southeast’s largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!
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There’s no doubt that Ben is a talented luthier but he’s also an incredible human. Always generous with his time and expertise. He’s got an incredible team and is the only destination for so many double bass players in Melbourne. Great to see him enjoy some wider recognition.
Agreed–it was great to chat with Ben! What a great guy.