Description
This well maintained 2007 Paul Bryan “Mattaeo Gofriller” model (number 71) is a very nice affordable handmade instrument. This model is the largest pattern that Paul Bryant made. It has a rich and solid presence both as a section bass and for smaller groups. The top is a two-piece section of Alpine spruce with the wider grain at the center. The sides are lightly figured Maple. The back is Vertical grain English Poplar. The neck is medium grain width English Maple with medium flame figure. The tuning machines are The Hart MK2 set from Gallery Strings in England. The nut, fingerboard, Hill style tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle are all high quality African Ebony. The adjustable endpin is a 10 mm steel rod type. The oil varnish is a golden brown. The instrument was patterned after a 1720 Mattao Gofriller instrument, using the same combination of woods. Currently strung with Pirastro Permanent strings for a large, broad, and colorful orchestral voice.
Dimensions are:
Top length 43 1/2″ (110.5 cm), Upper bout width 20 1/4″ (51.4 cm), Middle bout width 15″ (38.1 cm), Lower bout width 27 1/2″ (69.9 cm), Length of back including button 45 1/4″ (114.9 cm), Rib depth at tail 8 7/8″ (22.5 cm), Rib depth at upper bout crease 8 1/2″ (21.6 cm), Rib depth at neck 6 5/8″ (16.8 cm), String length 42″ (106.7 cm).
The voice is rich and has a good depth in the lower registers. The bass is currently strung with Pirastro Flexocore Deluxe strings.
