Periods and Styles of French Basses

[Dave Whitla]

As it turns out, I have pictures of my Lejeunne bass with the extension. One photo here- of the back of the scroll- predates the extension. On my computer the resolution isn't great; hopefully it won't be too bad here (unless they end up too small to be of use...)

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Whitla

As it turns out, I have pictures of my Lejeunne bass with the extension. One photo here- of the back of the scroll- predates the extension. On my computer the resolution isn't great; hopefully it won't be too bad here (unless they end up too small to be of use...)

Is that the KC extension? Love the back of that scroll just as it is. Real evidence of the old French Viol school. And pics of the back or ribs we could see?

[Dave Whitla]

Yes, that's the KC extension. I chose it for the lack of drilling the scroll, and no torque to the scroll. I'm really happy with it, although it is kind of heavy.

I'll dig around for photos of the back and ribs. In the meantime, here is before and after shots of the arching of the top. Not from the same angle, but you can still see the change.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Steve Swan

Are there any construction details that would generally distinguish build styles between Mirecourt and Paris builders during the 1830-60 period? These could be varnishes, purfling, outline, arching, plate thicknesses, etc.

Not that I am aware of. Read the story about the notes of George Gemunder on Vuillaume. You will get a bit of insight into Paris building there. I think the differences might better be noticed inside as far as Mirecourt factory/shop work and individual hand work, maybe. Paris to Mirecourt is not that far. Many makers trained in Mirecourt regardless of where they settled. The last time I saw a bass appraised from a big shop as 'Paris', I told the owner in 3 seconds flat the bass was German and made later in build.

Paris was an expensive place to work in as compared to Mirecourt. If a maker could afford to work in that city, he would probably be one of the recognised makers, label or not. Most though did use a label on everything as a matter of business if not just pride alone.

Show me the bass here on line or in an email if you like. Talking over and over thru various threads fishing for information is pointless unless you show to pictures to go with the words.

[Dave Whitla]

So, at long last I’ve got my beloved old Lejeunne bass back after extensive repair/restoration work to the top by Tom Barrett. Maybe this belongs in the luthier or restoration sections, but since it’s the same bass as above it seems to make sense to post it here.

In a big nutshell, he re-arched the top in a cast, repaired a large number of cracks with patches (removing all the previous cleats and other cross-grain bits and pieces), removed and patched old woodworm damage which had previously been filled with epoxy , replaced chest and sound post patches, and put in various other large and small patches to strengthen it. Almost all of the new wood is with the grain, and he was careful to remove as little original wood as possible (as you would expect). I’m probably forgetting some of it, but if anyone wants to know more specifically they’re probably best off getting it properly, and accurately, from Tom himself. He can be contacted via his website: http://www.doublebassireland.com

I haven’t had a chance to play it much yet, but already it feels like the sound has improved from before, although it does also feel like it needs to be played in. I’m expecting it to take a while to settle, and thank you, Ken, for helping me to get my head around that.

Here’s before and after photos of the inside. They kind of speak for themselves…

[Dave Whitla]

Here's a link to a better sequence of photos of the top restoration. Maybe it'd be better in the luthier section... ?

Anyway, the bass continues to improve. Ten months and counting. Have tried at least four types of strings and I think Bel Cantos might be where I stay for a while.

http://www.doublebassireland.com/leJ...storation.html

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Whitla

Here's a link to a better sequence of photos of the top restoration. Maybe it'd be better in the luthier section... ?

Anyway, the bass continues to improve. Ten months and counting. Have tried at least four types of strings and I think Bel Cantos might be where I stay for a while.

http://www.doublebassireland.com/leJ...storation.html

That's a lot of work. Is the sound now up to where it was before yet or better than before? Most of the times when I get old basses restored it takes time for the repairs the break in. 2-5 years on average and then it mellows out more from there over time as the new repair wood ages. Often, with that much work, the Top might come off in a year or two (maybe more) to tweak the work inside if to heavy or if problems arise with the new and old meshing together. This is all normal.