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

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

I just received the Tailpiece that was taken off the Tarr when converted back to 4-string from the previous 5-string modification. There is an extra smaller hold drilled for the A string that is just under the Brass inlay.

There is a lower brass circle with mother of pearl inlay at the bottom still intact plus an empty cutout from a missing crest at the top plus a center inlay partially filled in. I would love to know what was in there. Always a mystery..

I have decided to repair and re-inlay the original Tailpiece and put it back on the Tarr where it belongs. We will use regular Mother of Pearl to fill the 2 emblem cut outs that are now empty. We have no idea what was in there originally because I have never seen another original Tarr tailpiece but if so, not from that early period.

[Eric Swanson]

Nice idea. Thanks for sharing your process...it is quite interesting to watch it all unfold.

[Ken Smith]

Ok, we just published the Page and lightened up the pics a bit. Enjoy..

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/high.html

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/tarr/

[Brian Gencarelli]

This bass sounds like a whole section by itself. I still can't get over how deep it sounds!

Nice pics!
Brian

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Brian Gencarelli

This bass sounds like a whole section by itself. I still can't get over how deep it sounds!

Nice pics!
Brian

Yup, it's a floor shaker. Also, easier to get around than a few other basses I have that are actually smaller in size and with a 41 1/2" string length, it's easy on the left hand as well.

[Ken Smith]

Tonight, I took out the Tarr and played it in a Concert, cold! Cold, meaning I did 2 rehearsals with the Hart and one with the Uebel (to test it out) and after the dress rehearsal last night, decided to take the Tarr and just wing it on stage. We did this program; http://www.buckscountysymphony.org/e...ALL-CONCERT-29

The Violin soloist played on a Strad. What can I do, bring less than my best on the 8th stand?

The Tarr by the way was shaking the stage and was easily heard over the other 7 basses in the loudest FFF sections. On some of the PPP parts, I couldn't play soft enough. The Bass was ultra smooth and very thick sounding as well as clear as a bell. About the best in tone and power I have heard in a long time. It's BIG, but manageable, more than you would think by looking at it!

This was by the way the first time the Tarr was ever played live in USA, ever, since its birth in 1829. Maybe it worked out so good because it already knows English..

[Eric Swanson]

Sounds like quite an evening.

Very beautiful bass. I'd love to hear this one...