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.

[Ken Smith]

Here's a sneak preview of a beautiful Vuillaume School Bass..

Click here.

Against my better judgment business-wise, I am posting this link for an early viewing. The Bass should be kept under wraps for a year or two until it is fully restored but for Historical purposes I thought it was more important to share.


The Bass has since been fully restored since this initial posting. The work and extension was done by Jeff Bollbach.

[Phil Maneri]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Here's a sneak preview of a beautiful Vuillaume School Bass..

Click here.

Against my better judgment business-wise, I am posting this link for an early viewing. The Bass should be kept under wraps for a year or two until it is fully restored but for Historical purposes I thought it was more important to share.

Outstanding!


Outstanding!


What a great bass find.

[Eric Swanson]

Thanks for posting these. Gives a person something to be inspired by...

So very lovely...

[Dave Whitla]

My main bass was made by Francois Lejeune. There is a very splotchy label inside that looks like the date says 176_. I got it about 13 years ago from Mike Leiter. It has definitely been cut down from its original size around the top shoulders, possibly when it was damaged- the scroll has been grafted at least twice (!) and the neck has been broken at least two or three times (once by an airline since I have owned it ). Not sure if the scroll is original, but I'm told it is from the same time period. Neck probably isn't. It's a beautiful scroll, carved through the back with additional carving on the sides and front. The two shoulder ribs and one 'C' rib have been replaced but I have no idea when. I could post some older photos, but the bass is now quite different. I had an extension put on, but more importantly it is now undergoing a fairly major restoration to the top (cleats from previous repairs/restoration were causing new cracks and the arch was 'collapsing' into more of a 'B' shape around the bridge).

It won't be done for a few more months, probably. Shall I wait until then to post photos, or would you like to see what it looked like about 5 years ago?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Whitla

My main bass was made by Francois Lejeune. There is a very splotchy label inside that looks like the date says 176_. I got it about 13 years ago from Mike Leiter. It has definitely been cut down from its original size around the top shoulders, possibly when it was damaged- the scroll has been grafted at least twice (!) and the neck has been broken at least two or three times (once by an airline since I have owned it ). Not sure if the scroll is original, but I'm told it is from the same time period. Neck probably isn't. It's a beautiful scroll, carved through the back with additional carving on the sides and front. The two shoulder ribs and one 'C' rib have been replaced but I have no idea when. I could post some older photos, but the bass is now quite different. I had an extension put on, but more importantly it is now undergoing a fairly major restoration to the top (cleats from previous repairs/restoration were causing new cracks and the arch was 'collapsing' into more of a 'B' shape around the bridge).

It won't be done for a few more months, probably. Shall I wait until then to post photos, or would you like to see what it looked like about 5 years ago?

Sure. Before and After pics are great to have and compare from.