I walked into Benedict Puglisi’s shop one mid-winter’s 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. Benedict Puglisi makes those kinds of double basses.
I had a three hour jam with a piano player recently, that was one of the best musical experiences I think I’ve ever had. Acoustically the bass does all the things I hear, heaps of volume and growl.
Rod Gear is the proud owner of the Puglisi “5th Gear”, 5-string Double Bass. He is a multi-instrumentalist with a mostly jazz oriented background. Rod is a founding member of the band “Sons of Korah”, which marries contemporary acoustic music with ancient Hebrew scripture. After about 10 years on the road including numerous flights and trips around the world it stands the test of time as well, with no cracks or problems whatsoever – for a handmade carved instrument to withstand the rigours especially of air travel is remarkable!After about 10 years on the road including numerous flights and trips around the world it stands the test of time as well, with no cracks or problems whatsoever – for a handmade carved instrument to withstand the rigours especially of air travel is remarkable!