We must not forget that in 1970's it was impossible in former Czechoslovakia to get knowledge and information from foreign guitar magazines or guitar books. There wasn't any literature available about bass building therefore Roberts knowledge is solely built on experience. Hours of testing and trying out in practice, how the different woods, body shapes and finishes influes the sound. There were also problems in buying wood and spareparts while it wasn't aloud to run private enterprises in the communistic Czechoslovakia. From beginning Robert made himself all the parts, and managed to buy the wood from a friend working in a state owned lumber yard.

In late 1980's it was possible to buy some kind of machine-heads, electronics etc. at the local tourist shop for foreign currency. During those years the reforms towards a more liberal system started. As soon as it wasn't anymore a crime to be unemployed Robert quit his regular work. He made his living by building few instruments a year that, he sold straight to musicians.

next >>