In Memoriam: Patrick Charton
It’s another sad day in the world of bass. French double bass luthier Patrick Charton has passed away after suffering a stroke. He was 66 years old.
Charton’s career spanned over four decades, beginning with his studies in instrument building in 1976. He opened his own workshop in 1982 specializing in building double basses. Through his work, he developed techniques for crafting and setting up instruments that would win him awards in several international competitions.
“I have developed a system for adjusting sound and playing comfort that takes into account the architecture of each instrument (vault/string pressure ratio) and the playing of each musician,” he wrote on his website.
In 2007, he opened a second workshop in Paris where he would draw clients from around the world. Among his creations was the B21 model, featuring a detachable neck for travel.
American luthier David Gage remembered Charton by writing, “He was a great luthier, innovator, and a very fine person, a good friend and comrade. This is a huge loss for our community.”
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Patrick Charton.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
RIP?? Such a wonderful craft and contribution in making the world a better place.