The headstock of my bass is smaller, lighter and stronger than a traditional double bass scroll and pegbox.  This design prevents "scroll snapoff" - splitting along the grain on the side of the pegbox. As a result the instrument is lighter and has better balance.

The Merchant Vertical Bass is the only electric upright that is made to match the individual players'  instrument, making it easier to play in tune when switching between the two.

The necks are hand made from flamed maple that I hand select at a local mill. The fingerboard is the hardest ebony available.  It  is joined to the neck with hot hide glue for its superior shear strength, just as in traditional violin making.

The tuning gears are high quality- made in America by Grover. Black finish is stock but chrome & gold are also available.

The bass can also be made with five strings for an additional $350.I also make the Ratzo Harris signature six string, with a low and high C strings.

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Go to other Vertical Bass details page

The string length of a double bass can vary from about 38" to 44".  The note at the neck butt is generally either "D" or "E flat".  If you have an upright bass I can make your Vertical Bass to match its' string length and "neck note" by having you take two simple measurements (see Order page). The shape of the neck and fingerboard curve can be custom shaped as well.  If this is your only upright I suggest 41 1/2" with an E flat neck. 

You can see how I shape necks in the Scroll Graft feature in the acoustic section of my site.