[Thomas Erickson]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

If this were my bass, label or no label I would have it glued and repaired as well as re-cheeked with plain type maple. Under varnish it will look close and will be stronger. The graft should be a long one up to the end of the pegbox so the original is more of an outer shell. Then it can be re-cheeked either flush with some of the original cheeks shaved, or protruding, inlaid and looking more like a Pillement up neat the end of the box or, just over about 1/8th inch and blended in. In other words, do what ever you have to do to save the head, button and outer shell especially the back of the scroll veining. If you like, I can post some scroll pics of all ideas and explain what can't be easily seen under the varnish.

Regardless of the fact you don't know the exact maker or shop, this bass WAS made most likely in Mirecourt in the latter part of the 19th century give or take a few decades. So, it's somewhere between Lamy, Jacquet, Claudot or one of the shops or makers. The J.T. Lamy factory probably made more basses than all of the others combined in that period but there were also shops that just made parts and Scrolls for others that would complete the basses and label them. This is a Mirecourt Bass, no less that that and the wood is beautiful on the back and sides. It should be preserved with the same care as any other fine instrument. IF you make a new Scroll to save time, it will hurt the value of the bass in one way or another. I have seen one Claudot that had a later English scroll and was re-varnished but the bass was so good and the Scroll was so nice, it 'only' took 7 years to sell! If it had been restored all original, I am sure it would have sold much quicker.

Now that the bass is in your hands, you have total control to either 'restore' it as close to the makers/shops original model or, 'modify' it as you see fit for your convenience or concept. Shortening the string length for a bass like this if over 42" would be the only real modification I would recommend. That could be done with the neck graft, lower heel and the neck set in slightly deeper into the block. The Mougenot was just restored that way and it came out beautifully.

From what I have seen of your work, I have no doubt you have it in you to restore this back to it's old glory as good as anyone can. Just be patient and consider this to be possibly a French pedigree or value. When completed, the bass will thank you in its own way. I am sure of that.

Nice post.