Hawkes & Son.. (The Official KSB Hawkes Bass Discussion Thread)

[Ken Smith]

I just recently bought an old/newish bass that was re-constructed around an old French Hawkes Top that was found in England with its original French Tuners. One way that I can personally confirm this is French is by the wood. It is the same wide and wavy grain often found on the Jacquet basses known as Silver Spruce. The Top was re-built around all for outer wings and also re-varnished in the process. Then, a fine Luthier in Hungary used Walnut that was cut into Back and Rib sets some 20 years ago re-made the bass modeled partially on the Hawkes pattern and even added the outer linings as found on the German-made Hawkes imports. The Neck with a short 3-string style British Peg-box was made new for the bass but he had an old Hungarian Head/Scroll lying around which he grafted to the top of the pegbox. Have a look;

[Anselm Hauke]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

a fine Luthier in Hungary

Was that maybe Barnabás Rácz ?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Anselm Hauke

Was that maybe Barnabás Rácz ?

No, I don't think it was him but I can ask to make sure. The Old Hungarian bass I have was restored by him but this was another maker who possibly apprenticed with him. There are a few good makers/restorers there now but Rácz is the top guy in Hungary and possibly Eastern Europe.