Kai Arvi 2007

Kai Johan Arvi, #130, 2007, P.E.I., Canada, (42" string length) - $18,000

I have long admired the basses of Kai Arvi. I first remember seeing and playing basses of his father when I was studying Boston in during the 1970's. His instruments were very popular with local professionals and students. Kai studied with his father and continues making basses based on his father's design. Over the years Kai has refined the design without changing the basic form of the instrument. His basses have always sounded good, but the refinements Kai has incorporated have raised his instruments to an even higher level. The sound of the basses that he is making today are better than ever. These instruments have helped players win auditions the world over.

And the workmanship - except for the ebony socket for the endpin, Kai makes every wooden piece on his basses. He cuts the bridges from maple slabs from scratch and he carves the tailpieces from boards of cocobolo.

Here is another remarkable bass by Kai Arvi. This has a big, projecting sound that is dark but with a lot of density.