William A Mackay Interview 3 Flagship models

Can you tell us about your current flagship models? Do you have a range that you do regularly? Do you also make unique custom models ? How did you proceed to create them ? What were your choices and your creation process? What kind of musicians do you cater to?

The models of double bass I’m currently working on are mostly tweaked version of classic models.

My own models and outlines will come from these eventually.

There are requirements that modern double bass player have such as the neck stop which is used as a reference point, and various proportions such as neck length to body stop which have become standardized are important considerations in building a bass that’s aimed at professional players.

In the past there have been many variations with double bass concerning string lengths and neck/body sizes.

As an underdog of an instrument there’s something cool about the uniqueness of each of these old bass though a paying customer most likely does not want to re-learn the instrument every time they pick up a strange bass, at least any more than they have to, unless it’s an exceptional instrument.

At the moment I am working on several bass.

Mostly bass with the ‘Italian’ style violin corner though one of them has a viol outline.

My last two bass were large bodied viol outline bass in keeping with the English school style of bass making.

The latest viol type double bass is being made after a retired orchestral player I know suggested, noticing many of the upcoming players are young ladies.

The English school of bass making which shows a strong influence from the early Brescian violin makers tend to have large upper bouts, reducing the outlines in this area in particular would make for a more manageable bass.

I will also be looking at ways to make this bass affordable yet maintaining high standards.

I’m taking a lot of the influence for it from early viol instruments as I do like the simplicity of the viol outline and will give it a simplified scroll as can often be found on early viol instrument.

This bass may receive 5 strings with a high C. What I’m trying to achieve with it is to create a contemporary instrument with obvious roots in early instruments.

The other basses under construction will give me a range of various models with varying strings lengths and options.