To Ken Smith:
I don't think you quite understand, Ken. The "price" to you and certain other dealers would exceed $1,000,000.00 because I do not want it to end up in the WRONG (your) hands merely for money. Take a look at what some experts said about my bass you think is so deplorable:
1822: Prescotts first 5 double basses had ridulously wide 'cello shoulders, as wide as the hips, which he later cut down. That proves my busetto was made PRIOR to 1823, along with his rare, rare, sycamore open back narrow eared scroll and does not detract from it value or playability.
1951: "You better lock this up." (Glenn Miller Bassist).
1960s: "This is a Prescott, you absolutely must restore it to museum quality."
1970s: Guttenberg (Cambridge luthier, speaking from his hospital deathbed): "Thank you for the opportunity to work on your bass. My son is polishing it now and you can pick it up tomorrow. I asked about the value: "SAY ANYTHIN YOU LIKE -- IT HAS NO PRICE". (He died that night). IT HAS NO PRICE! DID YOU GET THAT, KEN?
2002: (While on the restoration bench in need for repair and convertion to 5 strings): An offer was made for $25,000 as is where is, without a stitch of work yet done. Later a Want Ad appeared in the Musicians Union magazine also offering $25,000 identifing the exact dimensions of my bass (39" fingerboard, etc, etc.) and could not be mistaken for any other known Prescott busetto.
2003: Restorer: "
That belongs in a locked cabinet back stage at Boston Symphony Hall".
2005: Gary Karr: "
You ought to donate it to the Smithsonian, they don't have any Prescotts."
2006: H&H Bassist: "
It's suitable for any orchestra in the country."
Again, it is not for sale but if it were,
DEALERS (like you) NEED NOT APPLY! And while you may consider it rather pedestrian, you disagree with several bassists in major orchestras such as:
Minnesota Symphony: 4 Prescotts
Boston Symphony: 3 Prescotts
Cleveland Orch.: 2 Prescotts
Cincinnati Orch: 2 Prescotts
Columbus Sym.: 1 Prescott
New York Phil.: 1 Prescott (a few years ago, at least)
Portland, OR.: 1 Prescott (Principal)
Portland, ME.: 1 Prescott
Louisville Orch.: 1 Prescott
You can find many Prescotts in other locations by clicking here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~prescottviol/data/LOCATIONS_3Nov07.txt They are superb orchestral "anchor" basses with the tone, volume and projection of several other section basses. I contend it is superior to your "Prescott School" $45,000 bass intended for resale purporting to be a Prescott. Again, my Prescott is NOT FOR SALE TO MOST DEALERS. No, it's not an Italian or French solo bass, such as the small "squak boxes". It it way, way better. My bass will either be bequeathed, loaned, or sold very cheaply to a DESERVING player who appreciates it. Maybe an outright sale for peanuts ($81?) serves to transfer legal title and avoiding taxes even if it provokes jealous dealers.
Truthfully, Donald Carrigan,
prescottviol@earthlink.net See Prescott Data & Photos:
http://home.earthlink.net~prescottviol