Ludovics Kovacs Lion head bass 1963

[Pedro Rico]

Hi
This bass came across to me but I do not know anything about,
It seems in good condition and we'll made.
Seller says it's from this luthier Ludivic Kovacs( Hungarian)
Made in 1963.
Can you give me some help on this?

[Pedro Rico]

More photos

[Pedro Rico]

More photos

[Pedro Rico]

More photos

[Ken Smith]

Please pay attention. I think this is a fake Copy.

The name and spelling is Lajos Kovacs.

I have a book from 1963/69(reprinted) by Raymond Elgar 'More About The Double Bass'. In that book on page 96 and 97 is the description and picture of a bass by him owned and played by Lajos Montag from Vienna who worked in Hungary as well.

The original bass is a gamba design, not violin cornered and has bat-wing f-holes and a lion head listed as a copy from a Testore.

Regardless on the head design, the bass you show is BRAND NEW and looks like the Maple is CHINESE wood, not wood from the Hungarian areas of central or eastern Europe but from the Himalayas.

That is not a 1963 bass and not Hungarian. Even the tuners are new Chinese gears that come on Chinese basses and some 'new' Hungarians as well where they buy from a local Chinese supplier in Hungary.

So, I have heard of and seen this makers bass. Also, they spelt the name wrong as well. It is a poor copy, not even similar to the original in any way and the Lion head is 100% Chinese dog-lion image.

If someone tells you they have a special bass and it looks new, it is new. Good basses get played, scratched, damaged and worn. In 50 years, it will look at least 50 years old. This looks new from last week.

It is good that I bought these books when I was still in High-school and saved them. I know that bass very well. Your bass is a poor fake with no resemblance to the original. Sorry.

[Pedro Rico]

Thank you, for reply, I haven't bought of course.
Looks good but I realize that could be a fake indeed.
Thanks for supporting us Mr Smith!

[Ken Smith]

Thank you, for reply, I haven't bought of course.
Looks good but I realize that could be a fake indeed.
Thanks for supporting us Mr Smith!

It is a new bass and it is what it is as a bass but nothing to do with 1963 or that maker. This is very common so don't feel bad as if you missed out on something. Maybe that Chinese bass is a good bass but it is only worth what another Chinese bass is without that fake name attached to it.

This is the original by the way, Our bass community friend Bill Bentgen has it on his website with the same picture from the Elgar book.
http://www.billbentgen.com/bass/players/montag.htm

http://www.billbentgen.com/bass/images/montag.jpg

[Pedro Rico]

Not feeling bad at all, but this is a warning for every buyers out there.
Thanks for updating on this book again.
Cheers

[Ken Smith]

Not feeling bad at all, but this is a warning for every buyers out there.
Thanks for updating on this book again.
Cheers

Most basses that just pop up claiming to be something that came from no where are new made fakes. Many other old basses from 50-200 years old are also often mis-represented as something better or more valuable than what they are so it seems like a great deal. Only a trained and non biased experienced eye can pick these out easily. Some need to be studied but many are very obvious.