French Basses

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Tom Derthick

Yes, it is the father, August, not the son Gustave, who made the bass. Sorry about the confusion. When I have photos of the label and bass I will be sure to post them. Tom Metzler has authenticated the label and instrument. A wonderful example of french bassmaking.

Thanks. That's what I gathered. On Gustave, he assisted his father and did so most likely in 1859 (b.1832, Paris) as my Bass was appraised as, but was a pre-Brenardel-Gand Bass by far (1866 they merged). Mine was most likely made in the fathers shop but somehow attributed to Gustave. That is what the late Sam Kolstein appraised it as. I bought it in 1971 from Ed Maestro in Philly and he just called it a Bernardel and I assumed the Father at that time. It still had its original (and very thick) Neck/Scroll with no graft and seemed to be original as a 4-string. I had the neck Thinned by Maestro so I could play it. It also had the typical Bernardel slightly softer shoulders than those we see or the Claudot, Jacquet and Lamy model Basses with the broad Cello shoulders but had the false Cello button. I have some old pics so maybe I can get them scanned and post them here.

[Anselm Hauke]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

I have some old pics so maybe I can get them scanned and post them here.

hi ken,
did you find the time to scan the pics yet?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Anselm Hauke

hi ken,
did you find the time to scan the pics yet?

Gotta find em first..lol

Saw them last a few years ago in the house. i didn't think to bring them to work but will hunt them down soon.

[Anselm Hauke]

thank you.

it´s interesting for me to see pics of bernadels because i recently played two and seen pics of others that are for sale, and they all look different.