Little Double by Gaetano Costanzo electroacoustic bass

Written on 10 September 2025 - 196 views

The Little Double by Gaetano Costanzo: sonic elegance at the service of demanding bassists

In the world of string instruments, the quest for the ideal sound and playing comfort continues to inspire musicians and luthiers alike. Among the recent creations attracting attention, the Little Double by Neapolitan luthier Gaetano Costanzo stands out as a rare piece, halfway between the traditional double bass and the modern bass. Designed in collaboration with bassists Dario Deidda and Rosaire Riccobono, it combines craftsmanship, innovation, and musical sensitivity.

A refined design

At first glance, the Little Double seduces with its elegant design. Its maple body hosts a Val di Fiemme spruce top, wood renowned for its lightness and vibrational qualities. The two carved soundholes reveal the back of the hollow body, enhancing the artisanal aesthetic while optimizing resonance. Even unamplified, the instrument delivers a clear and rich projection, a clear sign of high-level lutherie work.
The maple neck, topped with a fretless rosewood fingerboard, offers great playing fluidity. Marked with inlays equivalent to 24 frets, it allows easy navigation up to the highest registers thanks to the generous cutaway of the lower horn. With its 32-inch scale and dual-action truss rod, the Little Double ensures stability, comfort, and adaptability, regardless of the musician’s playing technique.

The richness of tones

One of the instrument’s major strengths is the ability to personalize its timbre through the choice of bridge. In maple, the sound gains clarity and precision; in olive, it leans toward warm mid-lows, velvety in character. This modularity gives each model a unique sonic identity.
Strung with a Rotosound half-round set – completed by a Galli black nylon G string – the Little Double develops a tonal palette surprisingly close to that of the double bass. The absence of frets further emphasizes this organic character, while preserving remarkable ease of execution.

Electronics: discreet and efficient

To this meticulous construction is added a well-thought-out electronic system. The built-in piezo system, combined with a Shadow preamp, is controlled simply via two knobs (volume and tone). This sober and efficient configuration faithfully reproduces the nuances of playing and ensures great versatility. Jazz, contemporary music, acoustic accompaniment, or solo playing: the Little Double adapts without compromise.

Ergonomics and playing feel

From the moment you pick it up, its lightness is striking. Unlike many electroacoustic basses, the instrument remains perfectly balanced when strapped, with no tendency to dive toward the neck. The comfort of the fretless fingerboard allows players to quickly find their bearings, even those less familiar with this type of neck. The result is stunning: the sound recalls that of a double bass, while offering much smoother playability.

A Neapolitan heritage

Coming from a long tradition of luthiery, Gaetano Costanzo perpetuates and renews an art passed down for generations in Naples. Each Little Double bears witness to this double requirement: respect for noble materials and openness to contemporary needs. The dialogue between tradition and innovation is reflected in every detail, making this instrument a true artisanal masterpiece.

Conclusion

The Little Double by Gaetano Costanzo is not just another bass. It is at once a working instrument, a stage companion, and a work of art, offered at a particularly competitive price given its quality. For musicians seeking a sound close to the double bass, without sacrificing mobility or the comfort of a modern bass, it represents an essential choice.

This article is largely inspired by the original text written by Rosaire Riccobono and Paolo Coccina, whose insightful observations highlight all the uniqueness of the Little Double.

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Photos : Pascal Vicart

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Chrys