The Great English Double Basses

[Ken Smith]

John Thomas Hart born in London in 1805 (d.1874) went to study with Samuel Gilkes at the age of 15 (1820) just 6 years after Gilkes completed my Bass. Hart was known mainly as a repairer and connoisseur of Violin Family Instruments and Bows. He got his start as a pupil of Samuel Gilkes who died in 1827. This Hart is believed to be c.1830 or maybe earlier.

Now, we believe the Bass attributed to Fendt for almost 40 years is actually made by J.Hart. Hart is listed as being in the Gilkes/Forster School of makers in at least 2 of the books I have written by and about the English makers.

Any other spine chilling stories out there to be told as far as the English? (Basses I mean)..

John Hart founded the famous Hart & Sons Makers & Dealers of the 19th century and later succeeded by George I and II, the son and grandson of John.