J.F. Lott Snr. (John Frederick Lott, 1776-1856)

[Chris Shaw]

Hello all,

The bass you've been discussing recently is mine. I bought it a couple of years ago, after the Double Bassist article had been written. I've been in touch with the player who owned it for around 40 years from about 1960 and he only knew it as a Hart's bass. I've discussed it's origins a few times with Tom Martin. He's adamant that there are significant differences between basses by Lott Senior and Lott junior and is convinced that this one is by Lott Junior. That actually makes it less valuable over here in the U.K. as basses by Lott senior are looked upon as about the most desirable orchestral instruments. I guess that Tom has probably seen more English basses than most people, so I tend to go with his opinion.