Possible/Probable ID
After quite a bit of research I think this is really a Prague-made Viennese 'style' bass and not a Viennese made instrument. There was one Bohemian maker that worked for a short time in Vienna as well as other border places who finally settled in Prague. I found another bass from this maker that in detail, style and measurements, could easily be its twin. That maker is Joseph Anton Laske. I would usually go with school of origin or maker but in this case finding another bass that is its twin and labelled as well, I have to say 'attributed to' for lack of having an original label inside the instrument. In an auction house with a twin to compare it to, would more likely list it as "probably or possibly by" or, "IS BY" the named maker.
The details that match are the near exact shape, F-holes, measurements, scroll, pegbox fluting from the top and then flat all down the back, the top purfled and the back not and the back angle break position to name the main features. Of the 4 other Laske basses I have seen (pictured only), 3 of them, have the exact same scroll/pegbox as this bass. Only one is of this exact size and model within a few millimeters. Being over 200 years old, time, repairs and usage has added to its slight distortion of exact measurements. From condition alone, I would say this is the oldest of the 5 basses but in style, I think it's in the middle. The near twin to this bass is dated 1788 on the label. If I had to make a wild guess, I would date this to the same or a year before, about 1787.
I have sent some emails out to people in Europe that knows these types of basses well. When I first sent that pic of me playing it, they thought it was probably not Vienna but more likely from Prague. I should get some confirmation on this soon.
|