Marco Panascia
Marco Panascia (pronounced pana-SEE-ah) is an internationally acclaimed Italian-American bassist based in New York City. Renowned for his versatility on acoustic and electric bass, he has performed with jazz greats including Kenny Barron, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano, Roy Hargrove, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Chris Botti, and Gary Burton, and is currently a member of Lea DeLaria’s band.
Panascia has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Montreux Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. His Broadway credits include Wicked, The Lion King, and Frozen, and he has performed with Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, Brian McKnight, and Il Volo. His work with pianist Eldar Djangirov included the Grammy-nominated album re-imagination.
“As a busy freelance bassist in NYC and on the road, dependable rosin is essential. Wiedoeft has been my rosin of choice for the past decade, from Broadway to concert performances, and the new bass formulations are exceptional.
The ALL-SEASON grade offers the ideal balance of firm grip and a smooth, gliding feel—perfect for lyrical playing. The ULTRA-GRIP is nothing short of a revelation, providing even greater grip and power while maintaining a clean, warm, musical tone.
My lifelong search for the perfect rosin is over. I strongly recommend both formulations and am grateful to Barrie and David Kolstein for developing such a remarkable product.”
Winner of the 1998 Edinburgh International Double Bass Competition, Panascia holds degrees from Berklee College of Music and Manhattan School of Music and currently teaches at The New School in Manhattan. He has appeared on more than 50 recordings.
David Sheets
Kansas native David Sheets began his orchestral career while still a student at the Eastman School of Music and went on to perform with the Saint Louis Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra of London, and other leading ensembles. He joined the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 1996 and later won the position of Associate Principal Bass.
“After trying seemingly every rosin available, it feels great to finally find one that checks all the boxes! Wiedoeft Bass Rosins draw a smooth, even tone from the instrument while providing excellent traction for crisp articulation in any humidity or temperature. Both the All-Season and Ultra-Grip formulations have exceeded my expectations. One or two light swipes is all that’s needed to produce powerful projection or the most delicate pianissimo.”
An accomplished classical and jazz bassist, David is also on the faculties of the Catholic University of America and the Asian Youth Orchestra and has presented masterclasses at music institutions around the world.
Michael Bisio
Michael Bisio has been on faculty at Bennington College since 2009, as well as bassist for the Matthew Shipp Trio performing throughout the Americas and Europe: Carnegie Hall, Newport Jazz Festival, Buenos Aries Jazz Festival, Am I Jazz? Festival, Kiev, MoMA, The Vision Festival, NYC and Festival Sons D’hiver, Paris.
“For more than a year now I have been on a serious rosin journey and tried at least a dozen brands/formulas in that time. Wiedoeft is by far the best, absolutely amazing! It pulls a remarkable combination of fundamental and harmonics out of each note on every string. Thank you Barrie and David!”
Michael has performed and/or recorded with many the icons of creative music including: Joe McPhee, Karl Berger, Barbara Donald, Charles Gayle, Juma Sultan, Steve Gorn, Bob Nell, Iva Bittova, Sonny Simmons, Joe Lovano, Roscoe Mitchell and Connie Crothers.
“The physicality of Mr. Bisio‘s bass playing puts him in touch with numerous predecessors in the avant garde, but his expressive touch is distinctive.”
– The New York Times
Photo by Pete Coco
Martin Wind
Martin Wind is an internationally acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator. Born in Flensburg, Germany, he moved to New York in 1996 and earned his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance and Composition from NYU.
A prizewinner in the Thelonious Monk Bass Competition, Martin has performed and recorded with many of the world’s leading artists, including Pat Metheny, Michael and Randy Brecker, John Scofield, Sting, Hank Jones, Toots Thielemans, and Michel Legrand. His extensive recording career includes numerous albums as a leader and co-leader, as well as major motion-picture soundtracks.
A highly respected performer on the international jazz scene, Martin is also a member and founder of the New York Bass Quartet and serves on the faculties of New York University and Hofstra University.
Byung Kook Kwak
Acclaimed as one of the finest violinists of his generation, Byung Kook Kwak enjoys a multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, conductor, and educator.
“I have virtually tried every rosin available as a professional performer, and this new formula developed by Barrie and David Kolstein, the son and grandson of perhaps the greatest bow maker of the last century, Samuel Kolstein, is the most remarkable rosin I’ve ever tried.
It’s called ‘Wiedoeft’ rosin. All serious string performers should be very excited for this new product as it even surpasses what was my favorite rosin to this day, original Kolstein’s rosin.
After over 60 years of experimenting with secret formulas from the greatest bow maker, this truly is yet the most amazing rosin I’ve ever tasted.
It has exceptional grip without ever losing the silky smooth texture.
It had amazing overtones and the powerful projection that should satisfy every serious violinist who’s been seeking for big stage and to make every note count.
Thank you, thank you Barrie and David, for an absolutely amazing creation!!”
Long term faculty at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York, Mr. Kwak has performed internationally as a renown soloist, has conducted numerous symphony orchestras, and is the musical director and performer of the Solisti Ensemble .
Arnold E. Schnitzer
Arnold E. Schnitzer became adept at woodworking and tool usage at a young age. While attaining a conservatory degree in music, he began maintaining and building instruments while also working as a professional musician. He ran a busy and successful repair and sales business in the NYC suburbs for 30 plus years. Now living in New Mexico, he concentrates on making of new Basses and Cellos.
“As a maker and restorer of fine basses and cellos, I encourage my clients to avoid overly sticky rosins that slough off and affect their instrument’s patina and varnish. As a bassist I look for a rosin that grabs easily without excessive bow weighting, and produces a smooth sound. Weidoeft Rosin excels in both properties! It is the best rosin I have used, and I recommend it without hesitation.”
Arnold has served as an instructor at the Violin Society of America/Oberlin Double Bass Workshops, and as a workmanship judge for the VSA Makers Competition. He has won numerous awards for his instruments, from both the International Society of Bassists and VSA.
Ödön Rácz
Ödön Rácz is one of the most popular and successful double bass players in the world.
He has been double bass soloist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra since 2009.
In addition, Ödön Rácz has performed as a soloist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Münchener Kammerorchester, the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks as well as the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, the Haydn Philharmonic and the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra. He has played as a soloist and participated in chamber music performances in Europe, Brazil, China, Korea and Japan.
“I highly recommend the new Wiedoeft double bass rosins to anyone who wants to play the double bass at a high level. This is a rosin that allows a musician to get the most quality out of their instrument.”
Following the release of his first record under the Lamati label in 1997 with works by Giovanni Bottesini, Johann Matthias Sperger and Hans Fryba, he recorded Bottesini’s Gran Duo Concertante for Hungaroton in 2003. Founding member of The Philharmonics.
In 2013, “Double Bass Fantasy” was released as a CD by Gramola with works by Vask, Gottfried von Einem, Vecsey and Paganini.
In 2016, he published his third CD with Deutsche Grammophon featuring concerts for double bass by Dittersdorf, Vanhal and Bottesini performed with the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra.
Ödön Rácz regularly teaches master courses in Italy, Hungary, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and Shanghai.
Garfield Moore
Garfield Moore is a highly acclaimed soloist and master teacher based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Recognized for his dynamic performances and “sensitive virtuosity,” he has been appointed Artistic Director of a new concert series at St. John’s Episcopal in Ocean Springs and also serves as an Artist in Residence at the Ohr Museum.
“As many of my distinguished colleagues and I have long noted, Barrie Kolstein is a man for all seasons and an Artist for many reasons. From the bench of his eminent, master maker Father Samuel Kolstein, Barrie has continued to build upon a legacy of artistry, craftsmanship and integrity which are well known throughout the world of string playing. His curiosity and creative inventiveness continue to prolong and serve the existence and tradition of great makers: And the relaunch of Wiedoeft Rosin by Barrie and David Kolstein is an achievement which continues this legacy. After several applications upon three of my “concert bows,” I feel like I have finally found my “magic carpet:” At once, sleek, adherent and encouraging of any bow stroke, I have finally found the rosin that I shall use for the rest of my playing days and career. CONGRATS MON FRER MAESTRO!!!!!”
Mr. Moore’s extensive career includes premiering noted composer Allen Brings’ “Duo for Cello & Piano” and acting as principal cellist for renowned ensembles such as the Alvin Ailey Ballet, Opera Ebony, and the Santa Cruz Symphony. He regularly performs for sold-out crowds across the region, with past programs featuring repertoire ranging from Baroque to Broadway. http://garfieldmoore.com/
Satoshi Okamoto
Satoshi Okamoto has been a member of the New York Philharmonic since 2003.
“Wiedoeft All-Season Grade Rosin offers a medium grip with a warm, rich tone. Wiedoeft Ultra-Grid Grade Rosin provides an exceptionally strong grip when maximum traction is needed. Both work well for me, and I rely on each of them in different playing situations.”
Prior to joining the Philharmonic, Okamoto was Assistant Principal Double Bass of the San Antonio Symphony for eight years and a member of the New York City Ballet Orchestra for one year. He served on the faculty of Stony Brook University from 2023 to 24 and has been teaching at the Bard College Conservatory since 2024.
James VanDemark
Professor Emeritus of Double Bass at the Eastman School of Music, James VanDemark has taught at Eastman for 50 years, and at the Round Top Festival in Texas for 40 years.
VanDemark says ” I was delighted to share the new Wiedoeft Bass Rosin this June with the terrific bass section at Round Top, and their enthusiasm was as great as mine. In both grades – All Season or Ultra Grip – Wiedoeft provides the player with an even, dependable, and powerful grip and responds to each individual player’s demands with ease. The quality and evenness of the rosin – not to mention Wiedoeft’s easy, no fuss packaging! – makes for an unbeatable combination for any player. ”
VanDemark has performed as soloist with many of the world’s major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Orchestra, National Symphony of Mexico, and many more. VanDemark is the recepient of works by four Pulitzer Prize winning composers. VanDemark’s students also perform in major orchestras and teach at major schools and conservatories throughout the world. Seven of VanDemark’s students have been Grammy nominated in a variety of musical genres, with two Grammy winners from the studio.
Kurt Muroki
Kurt Muroki is a tenured Professor of Music at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and a former Artist-Member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He began his musical studies on violin before pursuing double bass at The Juilliard School, where he studied with Homer R. Mensch.
“Wiedoeft Ultra-Grip double bass rosin is, without question, the finest rosin I have used. It draws a beautifully rich, focused, and powerful tone from the instrument—one that carries with warmth and clarity, free from hiss, excessive sizzle, or unwanted surface noise. Its response is remarkably immediate, allowing articulation to speak with precision and ease, while still offering the suppleness and control needed for expressive legato playing.
I have found it equally dependable in humid and dry conditions, and it lasts noticeably longer than any other rosin I have tried. As a bassist who is highly discerning about tone, projection, articulation, and the ability to blend naturally in chamber music settings, I have often found that other rosins compromise one essential quality or another. Wiedoeft Ultra-Grip exceeds my expectations in every respect. It offers a rare combination of depth, clarity, responsiveness, and versatility, making it an exceptional choice for any serious double bassist seeking a truly professional rosin.”
Mr. Muroki has collaborated with members of the Guarneri, Juilliard, and Tokyo Quartets, among many others, and has performed concerto tours throughout Asia and the United States. His recording and performance credits span film, commercial, popular, and classical projects, including the Oscar-winning film “The Departed,” as well as “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” “Julie and Julia,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” The Who, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Itzhak Perlman. In addition to his role at Indiana University, Mr. Muroki teaches at the Interlochen Arts Camp and the New York String Orchestra Seminar; serves on the Music Advisory Committee for New School Concerts; and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Maui Youth Symphony. He has previously held faculty positions at Stony Brook University, New Jersey City University, and The Juilliard School.
Mark Wood
Recording artist, performer, producer, inventor, Emmy award-winning composer, and music educator Mark Wood is the premier electric violinist of his generation, who pioneered and innovated the entire genre.
“Not only is this this incredible rosin perfect for traditional string players, but additionally for electric string players and multiple strings. The challenge that I have, playing a seven-octave electric instrument that covers bass, cello, viola and violin – is that I need grip – and I need extra, relaxed adhesive on my bow for the high E string. Wiedoeft rosin really allows my bow to travel – on multiple strings and multiple styles – from fiddler, to rock, to classical – very style of music. I love this rosin.”
Wood began his career with a full scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and had the privilege of studying under Maestro Leonard Bernstein at the Tanglewood Music Program. He founded Wood Violins, the premier manufacturer of electric violins, violas and cellos worldwide, and he holds the patent for the first-ever self-supporting violin. For over two decades, Mark has devoted his energies to empowering America’s music programs. His groundbreaking music education program Electrify Your Symphony (EYS) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. EYS is an immersive workshop and concert series for school music departments that boosts student self-esteem and helps raise much-needed funds. Mark and his team of Artist Mentors visit upwards of 75 schools per year. A genuine family man, Wood runs his operations alongside his wife, business partner, and longtime collaborator Laura Kaye. In addition to EYS, Wood and Kaye run the annual Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp and Festival, founded in 2010, as well as The Mark Wood Music Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting music and the arts in America’s underserved communities.
Harvie S
Harvie S, a renowned jazz bassist, is a prominent figure in the realm of contemporary jazz with his distinctive style and virtuosic technique. He was selected as a Jazz Ambassador for the United States, touring throughout Europe and Southeast Asia in this capacity. He has recorded numerous albums as a leader and co-leader, with over 400 recordings as a sideman. He has held a position as a professor of jazz bass and ensembles at the Manhattan School of Music since 1984.
“As a jazz bassist, I use the bow far less than my classical counterparts, so anything that gives me an advantage is welcome. Wiedoeft Ultra Grip provides exactly that. The moment I put the bow on the string, it grabs perfectly—consistently, evenly, and smoothly.
There is no question that it has improved my sound. It is easily the best rosin I have ever used, and over the years I have tried more than I can count.
I am still experimenting with the All Season formula and getting excellent results. At this point, I can honestly say I am in rosin heaven.”
