Louis Lowendall, Berlin 1910 (SOLD)

[Ken Smith]

a Bass by Louis Lowendall (1842-1918), Berlin 1910. Fully Restored with C-Extension by AES NY, August 2016.

This is a 7/8ths (or 4/4 size of its time), 'BERLIN' stamped in the upper back button. Beautiful reddish brown varnish (the red well faded), with a grafted neck, original scroll with slight scars from a previous mechanical C-Extension. Wide lower bouts, deep ribs w/outer linings, slightly sloped shoulders and easy to play. Well arched round back tapered and the upper bout ribs taper towards the neck to 6 1/4" wide. Well flamed maple throughout with fine-medium grained spruce top. Deep warm tone with good projecting power.

Measurements:
String Length; 41.75"
Top/Back Length; 44" top, 45 1/2" back
Upper Bout; 20.25"
Middle Bout; 15.25"
Lower Bout; 27.75"
Ribs (not including plates); 8 5/8", upper bout tapers to 6.25"/Neck.

(SOLD)
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Stamped in the back of the Peg box;
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Lowendall's

Grand
Concert
----.---- (design there)

Stradivarius
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This looks to be the real deal from its period, a professional orchestra bass. Of all the Lowendall Basses I have seen, I have never seen one exactly like this. Marked as a Strad model, but very Panormo-esque in design.

For more information on L. Lowendall and his son Louis Jr., read this article (page 205-207) from the 1893 exhibit in Chicago.

[Ken Smith]

These pics are from a few years ago..