The "octo-bass" was not as large as the instrument designed by the French luthier Vuillaume but did carry the same function. For the entire year I was given an instrument that was smaller than my 3/4 size instrument but larger than a cello, roughly about the size of a solo bass. American bassist Gary Karr was given the same instrument the year before. My only regret is that I couldn't give the instrument enough of the exposure that it deserved. There just weren't the audiences to hear instruments like these in America at that time.

I also had the opportunity in this year to meet one of my favorite bassist. His name is Mr. Ludwig Streicher and after his New York concert there was a reception given for him to which I was invited. I brought my copy of the Bottesini concerto for his signature. After he signed it he grabbed my left hand and said "ah, that's a fifteen year old knot. Mine is about forty-five." We all had a good laugh and spoke about strokes and musics. Truly an honor and a pleasure to have met this marvelous musician.