Bass Luthier Ralph Krahmer has Died, Aged 58

Alongside his brother Michael, Krahmer was a fourth-generation maker for the firm E.M. Pöllmann

The luthier Ralph Krahmer, who specialized in double basses and worked for the Mittenwald firm E.M. Pöllmann, has passed away at the age of 58 — following a protracted illness.

Krahmer and his brother Michael were the fourth generation of the family to work for the Pöllmann firm, which was first founded in 1888. The company has a reputation for producing some of the finest double basses in the world, and its instruments are frequently to be found in the world's top orchestras.

Born in 1966, Krahmer learned his craft directly from his father, Günter Krahmer-Pöllmann.

He was also closely involved with the International Society of Bassists and won a number of silver medals at the Society's competitions for luthiers.

"Ralph’s work will live on in the sounds that his basses produce, a legacy that will last forever in music," wrote E.M. Pöllmann in a statement.

"We are grateful for his dedication, his knowledge and his passion that he has shared with so many. It is our aspiration to carry forward his visions and ideals with as much love and responsibility. Ralph will always have a place in our hearts as an extraordinary man who practised his craft with great dedication."

You can hear both Krahmer brothers speak about their craft in a short, German-language documentary below.