Double bass luthier Ralph Krahmer has died

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The International Society of Bassists (ISB) has announced the death of luthier Ralph Krahmer, following a long illness.

Krahmer was born on 23 September 1966. Together with his brother Michael, they represented the fourth generation of E.M. Pöllmann bass makers in Mittenwald and learnt their craft from their father, Günter Krahmer-Pöllmann.

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

Krahmer served on the ISB’s board of directors and received multiple silver medals in the ISB Maker’s Competition.

’We will miss Ralph deeply and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues around the world,’ said the ISB.

In 2023, Bayerischer Rundfunk produced a short documentary on Ralph and Michael Krahmer, seen below (in German).

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