Name of Instrument: bass colascione

Maker / Brand: Michielle Harton (Franciolini?)

Stearns Catalog #: 1045

Country of Origin: Padova, Italy

Region of Origin: Europe

Instrument Category: Chordophone

Date of Fabrication: 1853 ?

Location: CHO AA 1

Description: This only functional use of this Colascione is as an open stringed bass instrument in an ensemble as the neck is over one meter long--it is humanly impossible to stop the strings with one’s fingers. It is likely that this instrument has passed through the corrupting hands of Leopoldo Franciolini, however, it is difficult to detect any alterations that may have been made. The piece is unique as it is constructed entirely of spruce.

Research: Dr. Bruce Mitchell Smith