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Old 11-12-2013, 11:40 PM
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Ken Smith Ken Smith is offline
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Smile Prague Bass, c.1880 (Viennese model) (In Restoration)(NY)

Here is a beautiful old Vieneese/Prague style bass. In researching this bass originally, we found one that was labeled "Joseph Anton Laske, Prague 1788" and then another near identical bass labeled "Eduard Heidegger, Linz 1877". With nearly a century between the two basses of the same model, what is one to think? Well, the condition of the Linz bass looked far younger than the Prague bass. The Laske labeled bass and this Prague bass here are more similar in age. I have also since found a few more basses of similar design and scrolls combined which was what connected them in the first place. I also have a book with two actual Laske basses pictured but they look older in design than all of theses basses. So, I think the labeled Laske bass is possibly incorrect and the Heidegger bass from Linz is actually a Prague made bass with the dealer's label in it like you would find with imported basses from Hawkes to Morelli to Juzek. Basses made by others for the trade by design.

Since then, I have looked back at a few basses made by Jan Bina who worked in the 19th century in Prague but also traveled earlier and worked in Vienna, Pressburg and Budapest before settling back in Prague around 1853. We have since acquired another Prague bass that was nearly identical to this bass with the exception of the Scroll which was not Viennese style and we have attributed that bass to Bina. I have seen Bina basses with both normal and Viennese style Violone scrolls. So, this bass can also be attributed to Bina matching up the work of the two basses. One other maker that has been mentioned is Anton Lutz, Schonbach/Bohemia of which I have seen a similar bass dated 1876 but the scroll was not a Viennese style Violone head like this.

String Length; 41 1/4"
Top/Back Length; 42 1/2" top, 44 1/4" back
Upper Bout; 20 1/2"
Middle Bout; 14 1/2"
Lower Bout; 25 3/4"
Ribs; 8", 6 5/8" at neck

Currently in Restoration

If you are interested in this Bass, please contact me; ksb@kensmithbasses.com



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Last edited by Ken Smith; 04-27-2019 at 11:59 AM. Reason: Currently in Restoration
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Old 11-14-2013, 06:13 AM
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Eric Swanson Eric Swanson is offline
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Hi Ken,

Thanks for sharing this lovely instrument.

How does it sound and play?

Is the scroll beech or maple? Is the neck maple?

Are you planning to have work done on the bass, or leave it "as is," for now?
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Old 11-14-2013, 09:03 AM
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Ken Smith Ken Smith is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Swanson View Post
Hi Ken,

Thanks for sharing this lovely instrument.

How does it sound and play?

Is the scroll beech or maple? Is the neck maple?

Are you planning to have work done on the bass, or leave it "as is," for now?
How does it sound and play?...

Great. I just did Brandenburg #4 with it using solo strings for a lighter sound with the chamber group within my orchestra (6 violins, 2 violas, 1 cello, 1 bass, 2 flutes and harpsichord). But, we had help. Paul Arnold of the Philly Orch. came and played the solo violin part.
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Is the scroll beech or maple? Is the neck maple?..

The Scroll is Beech and original with a maple neck graft which has some years on it as well.
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Are you planning to have work done on the bass, or leave it "as is," for now? ..

When I got the bass, I had Arnold glue what ever needed gluing and put a new fingerboard, bridge and post as well. The bass has had restorations in the past and was fairly well serviced over time. It doesn't need to be disturbed now with another restoration unless something breaks or has an accident.

The bass is fairly loud. If I find myself with just this bass in hand and all others sold, I can put an extension on it and use it for everything. It's that good!
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