'C' Extension or not?

[Don Carrigan]

To Ken Smith:
I don't think you quite understand, Ken. The "price" to you and certain other dealers would exceed $1,000,000.00 because I do not want it to end up in the WRONG (your) hands merely for money. Take a look at what some experts said about my bass you think is so deplorable:

1822: Prescotts first 5 double basses had ridulously wide 'cello shoulders, as wide as the hips, which he later cut down. That proves my busetto was made PRIOR to 1823, along with his rare, rare, sycamore open back narrow eared scroll and does not detract from it value or playability.
1951: "You better lock this up." (Glenn Miller Bassist).
1960s: "This is a Prescott, you absolutely must restore it to museum quality."
1970s: Guttenberg (Cambridge luthier, speaking from his hospital deathbed): "Thank you for the opportunity to work on your bass. My son is polishing it now and you can pick it up tomorrow. I asked about the value: "SAY ANYTHIN YOU LIKE -- IT HAS NO PRICE". (He died that night). IT HAS NO PRICE! DID YOU GET THAT, KEN?
2002: (While on the restoration bench in need for repair and convertion to 5 strings): An offer was made for $25,000 as is where is, without a stitch of work yet done. Later a Want Ad appeared in the Musicians Union magazine also offering $25,000 identifing the exact dimensions of my bass (39" fingerboard, etc, etc.) and could not be mistaken for any other known Prescott busetto.
2003: Restorer: "That belongs in a locked cabinet back stage at Boston Symphony Hall".
2005: Gary Karr: "You ought to donate it to the Smithsonian, they don't have any Prescotts."
2006: H&H Bassist: "It's suitable for any orchestra in the country."

Again, it is not for sale but if it were, DEALERS (like you) NEED NOT APPLY! And while you may consider it rather pedestrian, you disagree with several bassists in major orchestras such as:
Minnesota Symphony: 4 Prescotts
Boston Symphony: 3 Prescotts
Cleveland Orch.: 2 Prescotts
Cincinnati Orch: 2 Prescotts
Columbus Sym.: 1 Prescott
New York Phil.: 1 Prescott (a few years ago, at least)
Portland, OR.: 1 Prescott (Principal)
Portland, ME.: 1 Prescott
Louisville Orch.: 1 Prescott

You can find many Prescotts in other locations by clicking here: http://home.earthlink.net/~prescottviol/data/LOCATIONS_3Nov07.txt They are superb orchestral "anchor" basses with the tone, volume and projection of several other section basses. I contend it is superior to your "Prescott School" $45,000 bass intended for resale purporting to be a Prescott. Again, my Prescott is NOT FOR SALE TO MOST DEALERS. No, it's not an Italian or French solo bass, such as the small "squak boxes". It it way, way better. My bass will either be bequeathed, loaned, or sold very cheaply to a DESERVING player who appreciates it. Maybe an outright sale for peanuts ($81?) serves to transfer legal title and avoiding taxes even if it provokes jealous dealers.

Truthfully, Donald Carrigan, prescottviol@earthlink.net See Prescott Data & Photos: http://home.earthlink.net~prescottviol

[Ken Smith]

Don, what Bass of mine are you referring to?

Also Don, in case you didn't notice, this Thread was about whether or not to put on Extension on a Pollmann Bass that I have since sold after starting this thread.

It seems that at the 'drop of a hat'-type mention of a Low note, you chime in with your Prescott. I don't know what your Prescott or any Prescott or any 5-string Bass has to do with this subject.

I was just asking for opinions about a 3/4 Pollmann I had and should I put
another Extension on IT, that was all.

My business by the way is NOT dealing in Double Basses. It is my hobby-turned-business. I don't make a living at it. My business is the mfg. of the Ken Smith Basses (electric BGs, 4, 5, 6 and 7-strings) plus the Smith Bass strings and related items.

The DB biz was mainly started to sell off the Basses I don't play anymore while I 'climb the ladder' Bass-wise. The 'Pedigree' Prescott I owned and sold was just a stepping stone. It was a great Bass but not as good as my English and Italian Basses I acquired along the way.

The two best sounding Basses (to me) on my web list to-date are the Hart Bass and the attr. Storioni. Two other favorites are the Gilkes and Martini. The Martini is going in for some repairs up at Arnolds' and the Gilkes is in settlement stages of sale. The Martini is the most comfortable Bass for me to play next to the Storioni. The Hart with it's wider Maggini style shoulders is actually easier for me to play on despite its comfort as compared to the Martini. The Storioni is 44"+ string length and although I can play it, my fingers do feel the extra stretch after awhile.

Until the Storioni is restored (and shortened) and my Mystery Bass's restoration completed, I don't know which Bass I will call my own. For now, the best playing (restored) and best sounding Bass I have is the Hart. Being that it's an Eb neck and wider shoulders, it will take time before the comfort matches my ease of playing it. Yes, I play it well but I am more comfortable feel-wise with the Martini. Go figure...

Don, good luck with your beautiful Prescott whatever you decide to do with it. I have no interest at this time in a 5-string.

[Michael Harrison Jr.]

It's a really beautiful scroll on that bass that I'd hate to see covered up with an extension.

But at the same time I understand the importance now days of having an extension. And as much as I love the beauty of the scroll, I'm a believer that function still takes priority over looks, so I vote yes to extension.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Michael Harrison Jr.

It's a really beautiful scroll on that bass that I'd hate to see covered up with an extension.

But at the same time I understand the importance now days of having an extension. And as much as I love the beauty of the scroll, I'm a believer that function still takes priority over looks, so I vote yes to extension.

I sold this Bass a few months ago so I am closing up this Thread. Just a read now..