AES Fine Instruments
4 Starcobb Lane
Brewster, NY 10509
845.279.4884
arnold@aesbass.com

At AES Fine Instruments, bass players and their instruments are handled with respect, professionalism and a caring attitude. The double bass is not treated like the stepson of the stringed instrument family, but rather as the majestic and irreplaceable foundation of the orchestra or jazz band.

Our shop is a small, personalized service and sales business. We are not predominantly a retail outlet. Bassists seeking instruments and/or accessories at the lowest possible competitive price are respectfully advised to shop elsewhere.

Arnold E. Schnitzer is a member of the Guild of American Luthiers, The Violin Society of
America and the International Society of Bassists. Before becoming a a full-time luthier, he received a conservatory degree in music performance and composition, played in two symphonic orchestras for a number of years, studied jazz bass with Dave Holland and Michael Moore, toured, recorded, and played local jazz and pop gigs for about 20 years. He was mentored in guitar and bass guitar making by Carl Thompson, and later in bass restoration by Lou DiLeone of New Haven, Connecticut.


My good friend and mentor, Lou DiLeone

Arnold's father was a skilled cabinetmaker and carpenter, and he was exposed to woodworking from an early age. Building, restoring, and adjusting double basses is a natural outgrowth of his acumen and interest in both music and woodworking.

CONSIGNMENT POLICY
Basses and bows are consigned at a commission rate of 15% of sale price. Instruments will only be accepted if they are reasonably healthy and playable.

BASSES BOUGHT
Instruments that are unplayable or need considerable repair are always sought out as restoration and resale candidates. Basses from all geographic areas, and of any age will be considered.

SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE:

  • Handmade Fine Basses
  • Complete Restorations
  • Repairs
  • Expert Set-ups
  • Custom-made C-Extensions
  • Sales and Consignments of Basses and Bows
  • Appraisals

TESTIMONIALS

"Thank You, Arnold for all your meticulous work, particularly as embodied in the new bass. The design and its rendering are both magnificent." Laurence Glazener, Principal Bass, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

"One of the great luthiers...thanks for all the wonderful work." Eddie Gomez, jazz great

"I enjoy Arnold's fine work every time I pick up my bass. It sounds as well as antique instruments twice and even three times it's price. It's easy to get around on and has a really lovely tone." Joel Reist, Principal Bass, Nashville Symphony

The Violin Society of America

I'd like to thank Les Manse for the pictures of "Monty" that inspired the design of this site.

Please send any comments or suggestions for this site to webmaster@aesbass.com.

© 2002-2007, AES Fine Instruments. All rights reserved.