The Australian Chamber Orchestra has acquired a rare, 16th-century double bass from anonymous benefactors. The instrument was made by Gasparo da Salò in Brescia, Italy, in the last quarter of the 16th century. Gasparo da Salò was one of the first luthiers to make double basses. Tree-ring analysis has established that some of the wood used for the front of the instrument came from a tree dating back to 1266, meaning parts of the instrument are almost 750 years old.
 
The bass is currently enjoying its public debut, performed by ACO principal double bassist Maxime Bibeau, at the orchestra's 'Barefoot Fiddler' concerts taking place around Australia (July 20 to August 3).

The Gasparo da Saló double bass joins the ACO’s collection of fine instruments, including Australia’s only Stradivarius violin, a 1743 Guarneri del Gesù violin, a 1729 Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae cello, and a 1759 Guadagnini violin.

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