Ronald Prentice

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Paul Dwyer

Thanks William.
Tom Martin put me in touch with Ronald earlier this year.
In his email he writes "I was a professional double bass player and then trained in Mittenwald to make and restore instruments. I retired from instrument making/restoring eight years ago".

I'd hoped to visit England this year and check out his Joseph Hill bass which he is selling (may already be sold) but haven't been able to make that trip yet.
I would love to go just to meet Ronald, not least since he played on the sound track to Dr. No! and to play this bass which looks like the same bass on Gallery Strings' web-site just below Ronald's own bass. Tom Martin has also confirmed it Joseph Hill, London circa 1750.

Cheers,
Paul

I haven't seen in Person a Joseph yet but had a Lockey Hill here not long ago. It was sweet but no where near the power of the Gilkes or Hart. Also, the English Gamba I have is sort of Hill'ish in some ways and is a powerhouse. More Italian sounding than English to my ear. If in the market, stop by to see it. It's getting a C-Extension as we speak and will be back next week. I will have it fully loaded at the ISB as well.