French backs

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Adrian Levi

ok thats interesting and some more good info to know .

Possibly after 1800, they 'started' making Roundbacks 'along' with Flatbacks! I don't know much about 18th century French Basses as there are not that many of them around. Some of them probably look Italian and are attributed as such in error.

They made both types of backs in the 19th century in both Gamba and Violin shape. Most French Basses had broad shoulders up until close to the 20th century when the Pear shaped model with sloped shoulders became popular. That model was 'added' to the others being made and was not a replacement of the bigger models as they still made those as well.