William Tarr (b.2/21/1808 ~ d.7/10/1891)

[Anselm Hauke]

nice bass!

[Eduardo Barbosa]

WOW! I never seen a bass so big!
even the bigger ones I've seen don't come close to that one!
I wonder what it feels like playing that beast. Can't even imagine what it sounds like!

[Ken Smith]

It's a beast but very playable. If not for the lack of a C-Extension presently I would use it next week on my Concert. I will be bringing it up to Arnold shortly for some set-up tweaks and possible a C-Extension to make it Orchestra ready, American style.

[Anselm Hauke]

Originally Posted by Anselm Hauke

nice bass!

you can be happy that you did not get this one:
http://www.thomasmartin.co.uk/sale_w...ouble_bass.asp

[Nathan Parker]

Man, these basses look amazing. I would love to give one a whirl one of these days.

So, my question is, why are they getting smaller? They all seem to have been cut down. What has changed since they were made that everyone reduces them in size?

[Anselm Hauke]

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

Man, these basses look amazing.

well, imho kens looks amazing, but toms............

[Nathan Parker]

Originally Posted by Anselm Hauke

well, imho kens looks amazing, but toms............

I like it. What it lacks in symmetry, it makes up for in character. Visually speaking, that is. I have no idea what it sounds like.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

I like it. What it lacks in symmetry, it makes up for in character. Visually speaking, that is. I have no idea what it sounds like.

It would be hard to describe unless we have both together heard the same basses that we can compare it to.

The sound is thick and organ like but sweet on top, not dry at all. It also sounds old and relaxed. My Panormo is similar but not as 'wet' in the sound. Both are silky though but describing sound is like describing taste. Not so easy as we all perceive things individually. The Tarr to my ears has more of a melodic Italian tone across the full range of the bass. The Panormo is maybe more floor shaking and sweeter on top but dryer in the middle.

The flat back of the Tarr along with its slightly reduced size feels to me easier to play and get around than the Panormo mainly because I am more of a 3/4-7/8ths player than a 4/4 huger. The slightly wider bouts don't seem to be a problem either considering its size as compared to the 4/4 Panormo which was also slightly reduced at the Block and in its length.

Still, if left with only one bass to play, I would welcome either the Panormo or Tarr with open arms. Opened a bit wider than usual..lol

[Ken Smith]

I just received the Tailpiece that was taken off the Tarr when converted back to 4-string from the previous 5-string modification. There is an extra smaller hold drilled for the A string that is just under the Brass inlay.

There is a lower brass circle with mother of pearl inlay at the bottom still intact plus an empty cutout from a missing crest at the top plus a center inlay partially filled in. I would love to know what was in there. Always a mystery..

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

Man, these basses look amazing. I would love to give one a whirl one of these days.

So, my question is, why are they getting smaller? They all seem to have been cut down. What has changed since they were made that everyone reduces them in size?

When 'Solo bass' became more popular it became evident that these bigger shouldered and full sized basses were just too big to get around on. Also, once you play an easier to manage 3/4-7/8, the idea of having a full sized and or full shouldered bass becomes less by the minute!

Playing the Orchestra music on a big bass is also not as much 'fun' these days as the demand is quite high. Economically, most your professionals shopping for a new bass to get 'that' orchestra gig wants the same bass to play both excerpts and solo on. Prices of these classics today also make it harder to own more than one expensive bass as well.

The most desirable basses today are those with 'the sound' and easy to play.

Many players that have played on 4/4 type basses for decades look forward to down sizing in measurements but not sound. Those players however that have landed a good steady job in a section are also trying to keep up with these powerful organ tones biggies so they sometimes in the aftermath, shop for that big monster that no one will mess with.

In the higher priced basses I have sold as many or more bigger basses than 3/4 or modified style 7/8ths over time. The bigger ones usually, but not always has that extra floor shaking quality that impresses all the players around you. This includes the podium, violins and brass as well. I have received complements from across the stage many times. Hardly ever though with a smaller bass in hand.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Anselm Hauke

you can be happy that you did not get this one:
http://www.thomasmartin.co.uk/sale_w...ouble_bass.asp

To my eye and from the basses I have seen from Tarr, Briggs and Cole (mostly in pictures) I would have to push this one into Briggs's corner more so than Tarr.

The Slant of the FFs' looks more Briggs and nothing like Tarr but slightly Cole but not. The Scroll is more like Briggs as well. The Gears are Tarr style but that is more than likely what was available then up there in Manchester.

I have seen this on Martin's restoration page as well and yes, I am glad it's not mine. I would not buy something like this across the pond unless it was to die for and affordable or under market, whatever that price would be!