William Tarr (b.2/21/1808 ~ d.7/10/1891)

[Ken Smith]

In doing the C-Extension the Plates and Gears were removed from the Bass. The Plates have fused housings for the Gear shafts to slide in to. One Gear might be an old replacement but the one with the milled shaft was done to put a fifth gear around the shaft inside the pegbox as the bass was used as a 5-sting for quite some time and then recently converted back to 4-string.

My Panormo School was also a 5er at one point modified with a 5th gear at the TP and the ball end of the string anchored in the pegbox. I have also seen two old 3-string basses modified to 4-strings that way as well. One was a Prescott and one a beautiful Goffriller that I tried to buy when I was younger. Both those bass had their original 3-gears in the pegbox. The Panormo still retains its original plates and the 3 original Baker gears, with a 4th one added later, not quite matching 100% but close enough. The original center hole in the plates from its 3-string days is still visible under the gears.

I just thought it would be interesting for historical purposes to show that while Baker gears (and a few others in his time) flourished in London, the Manchester school up north headed by Tarr had their own metal works of art. Side by side, the Tarr gears win as the most beautiful I have seen combined with their plates.

Note: Pictures courtesy of Arnold Schnitzer.

[Ken Smith]

Here is the new Page on the Tarr. The pics were done against a wall and not the usual mahogany door and with flash. The pics came out quite dark but the bass is dark as well. We might in the near future re-take the pics in attempt to get some more light on them.
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/tarr/

[Eric Hochberg]

I like your original bass display background MUCH better. It's a signature look and the pics come off far more professionally. In any case, beautiful basses, as always.

[Ken Smith]

When I got the Bass I was given pictures of some facsimile Labels that were lost in a previous restoration but photographed. I was told that the 2 of the 1829 was not all that clear but they would go with it as No. 8 would be very early in his making. I thought they meant the other label that the facsimile replaced prior to the restoration.

I took the group of the repairs and makers facsimile labels and made one label from that picture to put inside the Bass so the history doesn't get lost and glued it to the center Back brace.

When I was about to remove my light from the opposite F-hole I took one last look inside and then.. Holy Sxxt..

The real original inscription in William Tarr's old English calligraphy writing in heavy ink was there. Around the inscription was a faint line as if tape was placed over it for the last Back Restoration or when the Bass was cut down 1959.

So, this Tarr IS labeled, handwritten into wood of the upper Back just below the angle bend on the bass side opposite the Bass Bar of the Top.

This is what they were talking about as far as the trouble in reading some of the numbers.

Why can't those Brit's speak clear English?

Wait, that IS English, lol

I Speak American.. .. ..

[Anselm Hauke]

wow, can you make a picture?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Anselm Hauke

wow, can you make a picture?

I will try but it's a bit up into the bass.

[Scott Pope]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Why can't those Brit's speak clear English?

Wait, that IS English, lol

I Speak American.. .. ..

Ah, yes: two great countries separated by a common language. I wish I could have been there to see your reaction when you discovered the signature!

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Scott Pope

Ah, yes: two great countries separated by a common language. I wish I could have been there to see your reaction when you discovered the signature!

My face, body language and and my excitement. I was a good moment in time for me.

[Matthew Tucker]

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

I like your original bass display background MUCH better. It's a signature look and the pics come off far more professionally. In any case, beautiful basses, as always.

The white background will cause all basses to look darker, as the camera shutter will try to compensate for the white background.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

The white background will cause all basses to look darker, as the camera shutter will try to compensate for the white background.

Yes, I totally agree but it's a bit of a fight with my son. I am happy with the 'door' in all of my pics.

Maybe I can sell that door on Ebay some day..

[Eric Swanson]

Just can't stop looking at this bass. It is just so beautiful...

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Eric Swanson

Just can't stop looking at this bass. It is just so beautiful...

Come by and play it.