Giovanni Dollenz

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Matthew Heintz

Guy Cole has a bass at Robertson's, which he patterned after a Giovanni Dollenz model. What do you know about Giovanni Dollenz? My google searches led me to many auctions for violins and a book introduction indicating that "Giovanni and Giuseppe Dollenz [were]... Nineteenth Century Violin Makers from Trieste." Perhaps, Guy meant that he patterned it after Dollenz's violins? In any case, more information on Dollenz and any pictures of a Dollenz bass would be much appreciated.

On a related note, what characterizes basses from this time period? Body type? Scroll? F-holes? Can one generalize about basses from this area/time period?

I have seen one in person and 1 other pictured. Also, Arron at Robertsons has one of his own as well. That is 3 Dollenz basses in total that I know about. The one that I played was sold as a Guadagnini a few years back but this again is what happens in this business to get higher prices. Who would know the difference?

This is a 7/8ths violin cornered flatback Bass. Typical from what you see with the Italians with a lighter golden brown varnish on the 2 of 3 that I have seen.

When a maker sells a bass modeled after, it can be anything from just a name to a near exact copy. The best copies would include similar species old wood and re-created varnish as well. My Lott copy (now in restoration) was made as close as possible and with old Top wood as well. I have seen copies that were nothing more than a name and some that could pass for a modern original. Perhaps this copy you speak of was modeled after Aaron's own Dollenz. I am sure he will tell you if asked.