Old German French Model

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Sorry, I'm not convinced. Bring the bass here tomorrow.

Me come to you? What a concept?

By the way, internally speaking what would one see looking at the linings and blocks that might differentiate a French Bass from a German Bass made in the same period like the Bass we are discussing here?

Also, what other differences would we see that definitely point to one country or the other?

'School's in'..

[Ken Smith]

This beautiful old 19th Century German Bass has just recently been Sold and is no longer available.

I don't think the current owner would mind if we kept this Thread open for educational purposes or further discussion.

[Phil Maneri]

Fine by me.

What was the resolution of the inspection of the interior? Was it's German origin clearer from that?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Phil Maneri

Fine by me.

What was the resolution of the inspection of the interior? Was it's German origin clearer from that?

I think this is clearly German Work but at its highest degree for the period in which this Bass was made.

I have seen many many French looking German Basses but I can't say I have seen the opposite. It seems that the French may have been just a bit too proud or maybe individualistic to have wanted to make anything that looked remotely German. In the case of the 'Hawkes copies the only ones that I would believe to be French are those that look French. The ones that have the outer Rib linings/moldings to me look 100% German. That doesn't mean that by contract they couldn't have had some French Shop make them but why would you. If it's French, let it be French!

From the Varnish to the Arching to the Rib Linings etc, this is a German Bass. The style is beautiful as are the dimensions. Not even the Sound is remotely French so why take the French Style 'upper' Purfling and replaced French Tuners and call it French? I think in professional terms, that would be irresponsible at the least. I have seen too many German Basses, nice ones though, listed by dealers as French Basses from the 19th century for the sole purpose of jacking up the price. That to me is not just irresponsible, it's Criminal!!

I am sure the new owner will love his new Bass. I sure enjoyed working next to it for many Orchestral Concerts and rehearsals. It was always a sound and power to compete with, especially the floor shaking low end.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Phil Maneri

Fine by me.

Phil, this is not TB.

Let the cat out of the bag already!