Perfection right under your nose
It all started with an email that we sent to numerous music academies and orchestra academies throughout Germany. This initial email has already resulted in close collaborations, and we are constantly working to expand and consolidate our network and our cooperation with these institutions. This is how Luisa Gonzalez found out about Soundvest. The Rostock University of Music and Drama, where Luisa studied double bass in her Bachelor's degree, passed on our information to their students.
“During my studies, I played an instrument belonging to the university. But I had ergonomic problems; the double bass was a bit too big for me. What's more, the sound quality wasn't good enough for my ambition to play in a professional orchestra,” says Luisa, describing her initial situation. Even before she found out about Soundvest, she started looking for an instrument that met both criteria, was the right size, and had a fuller sound.
To Barcelona … by train
Therefore, she not only traveled through Germany, but also to Italy and Spain. She found an instrument in a small village near Barcelona, which she took back to Germany on a very long train ride so that she could play and test it extensively. Train may not be the obvious first choice at this distance, but air travel with instruments of this size is a huge challenge, not only financially, but also logistically and insurance-wise. After the agreed trial period and another train journey to the capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia, she returned the instrument – it wasn’t a fit. And then we came into play.
Luisa found out about Soundvest and our service from the email mentioned above and got in touch with us. From then on, we supported Luisa in her search and found what she was looking for at a southern German manufacturer whose instruments are also sold in Hamburg, where Luisa now lives. After the trial period, it was clear: “Thanks to Soundvest, I finally have the instrument that matches my ambitions and which suits me perfectly in terms of sound and ergonomics. It’s transformed my career and opened doors I never thought possible.”
“With the help of Soundvest, I could find my perfect instrument to continue my studies. I’m grateful for this project, because for students like me, it gives us a huge opportunity to increase our musical level thanks to having a fantastic instrument.”
Audition with a personal role model
She has been playing the bass since 2024 and has made great artistic progress since then. One highlight was her audition at the Hamburg Conservatory in front of Stefan Schäfer, principal double bass in the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra and personal role model for the young musician, who received her first lessons at the age of 13. Luisa's goal in 2025? A place to study for a Master's degree at a music academy in Hamburg or Frankfurt. She would love to combine her instrumental studies with a degree in cultural management.
Her musical ambitions have now developed in a different direction. She would like to become self-employed and play in various ensembles. “There are so many more opportunities than playing in an orchestra. I want to discover new things with my instrument, experiment, and not be forced into fixed structures.” Her current double bass can take this career step with her.