Periods and Styles of French Basses

[Ken Smith]

I think one of the problems with the French Basses is that we are used to seeing 3 styles mainly. The most famous model is the large 7/8 Cello type with the Button in the back. Then comes the Gamba models from the same period often with strong corners and wide Bouts. These two models mentioned are both mainly from the mid to latter 19th century. Then we have the French Pear model made famous by Quenoil and copied by others thru the mid 20th century and even currently.

What we don't see too many of are French Basses pre-1850 on back into the 18th century or even before if they even exist before 1700. Makers like Pillement (Pere) and LeJeune are the only two I can recall seeing that can be ID'd as France pre-1800 and not but a decade or so before. There were actually 4 makers named LeJeune and the one Bass I have seen is listed at two different shops is attributed differently between them. The shop in Germany has it as Francois L. c.1785 and the one in England (same exact bass) has it listed as Jean Charles L. c.1790. Only the latter is possible for that date having worked 1776-1823 (Henley) as Francios dates from 1740-1780 (Henley).

I am curious now to search for French Basses made pre-1850 that do not follow the typical post-Vuilluame, Bernadel, Gand stylings including any of the Jacquet's and Claudot's etc..

Has anyone seen a Bass by the early Lupo's or maybe Francois Fent from the 18th century?

Please join in and tell us about some old old French Basses you might have seen or heard about. Posting pics would be great as well. Remember now, we are not looking for the typical Mirecourt type French Bass here but rather the older and different ones possible dating before 1800.