Lowendahl Basses

[Cliff Brennan]

Anyone ever hear of Lowendahl basses? I have Googled for information and it is very hard to find anything on these.

I have run into one lately and wondering what the worth would be (restored) - anyone ever play these? Thanks in advance!

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Cliff Brennan

Anyone ever hear of Lowendahl basses? I have Googled for information and it is very hard to find anything on these.

I have run into one lately and wondering what the worth would be (restored) - anyone ever play these? Thanks in advance!

What does the label say or how is it marked?

Commercial firm from the latter half of the 19th century into the early 20th, Berlin, Germany.

Louis L. I believe is a real maker and founder of the firm. The ones marked Hermann L. are just labels using a once known name. The 19th century name was the Lowendahl (Lowendall) Star Works.

I am writing this from home by memory. I can look it up later and give some better dates.

As far as values go I can't say. Depends on the actual bass, wood, model and sound. Also, the economy when sold or the area in the world at that time. This is not a top notch handmade product from what I have seen and read but not low end either. Mid priced factory German I would say. What ever that is.

I can tell more with pictures if you can post them.

[Joel Larsson]

Star Works!! I like the bass already.

[Martin Sheridan]

I had one once, but I don't remember now where it was made. As I recall, research showed that he had shops at various times in Berlin, Paris and London. The one I had was a cello shaped 7/8; a rather large and cumbersome bass, but it had a nice sound although difficult to play in the upper register; a good orchestra bass.

[Stefano Senni]

I saw and played one a few years ago in London....a dealer friend of mine had one. It was labeled 1890 Luis Lowendall - Berlin, and also fire stamped on the back button. It was a gorgeous cello model full size. It sounded great ! I was about to buy it but then I passed on it because of the cello shoulders...Recently I've found photos of that same bass being altered (shoulders reduced)...here we go : great job !

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Stefano Senni

I saw and played one a few years ago in London....a dealer friend of mine had one. It was labeled 1890 Luis Lowendall - Berlin, and also fire stamped on the back button. It was a gorgeous cello model full size. It sounded great ! I was about to buy it but then I passed on it because of the cello shoulders...Recently I've found photos of that same bass being altered (shoulders reduced)...here we go : great job !

What was the String length? That dealer sent me pictures about 4 years ago or so on this after the Cut. A Luthier in Hungary did the cut on this bass.