Minick Cimbasso in F

This cimbasso was built for Roger Bobo by Larry Minick in 1984. Originally it was to have been in Eb, but because of the way the instrument felt at the first testing, and thanks to a closer study of the Italian opera repertoire, both Bobo and Minick agreed a cimbasso in F would be more appropriate.

The cimbasso was used frequently in the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood studios in the late 80's, but it was in 1990 and 1991, when Roger Bobo used it in productions and subsequent recordings of Il Trovatore and Tosca with the orchestra of the Maggio Musicale in Florence, that it earned the most respect. Maestro Zubin Mehta was pleased enough with this Cimbasso that he personally phoned Larry Minick in Los Angeles and requested that Larry make another cimbasso for the Maggio Musicale Orchestra. Having just recently retired the instrument making business, Mr. Minick declined the request.

Although still owned by Roger Bobo, the cimbasso is in the possession of tubist Lance Nagels of the Quebec Symphony and is currently for sale.