Unlabeled French Bass
 

A seller has a bass I am evaluating that is clearly French. It has a lot of similarities as a Claudot model I have seen at Roberston shop. The seller says it is a X. Jacquet though I see no immediately apparent label or stamp. It looks as though it might have been used in the French radio based on an identification stamp on the bottom near the endpin. I haven't ruled out a stamp being underneath the top of the instrument. However, does anyone see, or know of any other distinguishing characteristics that might help identify this bass?

French Bass
 

This bass is built on a nice pattern. I have seen the "double button" feature, behind the neck joint, on some old French made basses.

The tuning gears look similar to some Hawkes Panormo copies I've seen. Look at http://steveswanstringbass.com/wp-co...7/IMG_0931.jpg They appear to be originals and the gear type could help put a date on the bass.

Looks like someone attacked this bass with their bow tip while playing - scars all around the G side C-bout.

I like the looks. If it sounds good, and you like it, buy it.

- Dr. C.

Check these pics:

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/double.../jacquet-gand/

http://www.thomasmartin.co.uk/images...bass_lowc2.png (Gand Bernardel bass gears)

http://www.stringemporium.com/french-bass-violin.jpg (characteristics of French basses)

Thank you John. Indeed the Jacquet-Gand bass that Ken sold looks very similar. Yes, the bout shows plant of bow marks and, at some point, the top had a real crappy re-varnishing job as you can see where the varnish pooled in the recesses of each bout and their are drippings around the ribs throughout. A shame. However, the bass plays great and seems structurally quite sound.

I played a friend's Jacquet bass many years ago. It played and spoke very well, had a great tone, and very good volume. He played it in the American Symphony Orchestra under Leopold Stokowski. They are fine basses.

-Dr. C.