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#1
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Advice: John Frazier, Bristol Double Bass?
Hi all,
I'm currently planning a new instrument. I asked in TB about it, but as usual no one seems to know anything or care. Here is how it's described: English, by John Frazier, Bristol 1892. Violin shaped, arched back, strong regular figure, golden varnish. LOB 1160mm. Anyone know anything about this maker? I just figure I've got my lovely German 3/4 and I suppose it's time I get an English bass. I am considering this instrument as an investment. Cheers, John EDIT: Sorry no pictures at the moment. I've seen it 3-4 times without remember my camera! Last edited by johnfowles; 12-22-2008 at 09:30 PM. |
#2
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John Frazier, Bristol...
Quote:
Now, he is listed only in the Henley and Jalovec Dictionaries of Violin makers. He is surprisingly NOT listed in the old Morris Book or the modern books by Harvey or Plowright. In Henley he is listed as Johannes Frazier (probably from a label seen) working from 1880-1892 as a maker of Violas. Period! In Jalovec he is listed as J. Frazier 19th and 20th century Violin maker. Producer of various kinds and shades of Varnish. Period! Not much to go on here. Go and see Tony Houska at the Contrabass Shoppe and show him the Bass. Pictures here wont hurt either. If not a wreck needing thousands to restore it or if not a re-labeled German import, go for it. |
#3
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Hi Ken,
I've just emailed them to send me some pictures. They may be slightly embarrassing as I know that the top is now off and they are replacing the neck as it had been re-profiled rather strangely. From what I can remember there were 2 labels on the inside of the bass when I saw it. I've asked for pictures of these too. The fact he was mainly a viola maker is interesting as this bass is a violin shape and the varnish used is very golden. I can't REALLY afford the instrument, but as I suspected if it is genuine it may be a fantastic investment. |
#4
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So, how did you make it over to this site?
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#5
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lol..
Ah Duh... Hey, thanks for the mention... |
#6
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Sorry yes. Finger points to Eric.
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#7
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well..
It looks more French than English in the modeling and the Scroll and inset Linings look a bit German along with the Gears. Can you get pics of the Top and Ribs?
Two labels in one Bass? Is the 1890 the date of completion and the 1892 a repair? That is very unusual. The internal Stamped Blocks look unusual. The English are known for marking things up though. My Hart is stamped 4x inside the Back. The Gilkes is Branded outside on the Tail Block and labeled as well. The Dodd was branded under the Button but was illegible. The Mystery Bass does not have its original Button so no markings at all there. The Gilkes also has a replaced Button so we will never know if it was Branded there as well. Cello type shoulders are not the easiest to play. I suggest you give this Bass a good test run before buying it to make sure you can play it. Do you know what the String length is? |
#8
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Looks like the maker copied a French bass, as Ken alluded to above. However the neck joint is not French. The scroll is commercial German, also as Ken said. The upper bout looks very long and you should measure the stop length. It may be difficult to set this bass up with a reasonable string length.
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#9
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also..
I see several worm holes in that Scroll/Pegbox.
Check that Bass VERY carefully. Worms can make 'toast' out of wood. I have seen it. Very hungry little critters. |
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