A little about the history of this instrument.
This instrument came probably from the near west countries. The local musician transformed it into something unique and played it. It is Characteristic for the territory of the Buiese and also beyond these boundaries. It has only two strings, it is a little bigger that the violoncello but smaller of the double bass. Practically it has the size of the viola da gamba. Usually made with a straight back (like the German double basses). The wood that was used in the construction of these instruments is clen (local maple related wood), cherry and walnut (back, sides, and scroll). The soundboard is made of spruce and a couple of western red cedar. The tuning that is usually used are G, D and B, F (low and treble string respectively). Because this instrument is typical Istrian instrument and Otavio Štokovac Rapatočki is the only constructor of this instrument in Istria (at least one that can call himself as such), he is the only bajs maker in the world.
