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This is one of those incredibly handsome
violin outlined instruments with a flat back that gently inclines
from the upper corners towards the back button. Typical too of this
form of Lamy instrument is the rich red-orange type spirit varnish
that is visually wonderful and the excellent quality of timber used
throughout. Mimicking the shape of the back button can be seen a
decorative "secondary-button" carved almost immediately
below the back button. As a consequence of this feature the purfilling
line is able to flow uninterrupted in a continuous arc that follows
the shape of the shoulders rather than the upward contours of the
neck-block. This creates the illusion that one is looking at the
outline of a large violin rather than that of a double bass.
Absolutely everything necessary
has been done on this instrument to put
it into top playing order. With a final repair bill well in excess
of £3 000-00 the list includes the gluing and studding of
all cracks as necessary, fitment of a new bass bar, fitment of a
soundpost patch, fitment of an upper and lower back braces, halfedging
and edging work to both front and back, readjustment of the neck
angle, re-profiling of the neck, fitment of new fingerboard, bridge,
soundpost and endpin unit, varnish touching-in, cleaning and polishing
of the original cogs and machines etc. Tony Houska, Director of
'The Contrabass Shoppe' comments somewhat understatedly "This is
now a fully secure instrument in great condition. It plays well
too."
At one time this sturdy, well-constructed
type of instrument was plenty available but times have changed and
they are becoming increasingly more difficult to find. The excellent
quality, first class looks and superb sound means that they are
more and more sought after especially by the world's top jazz
players.
Width at the upper bout 20.6in (52.4cm)
Width at the centre bout 15in (38.0cm)
Width at the lower bout 26.5in (67.2cm)
LOB 44.3in (112.5cm) St length 41.5 (105.3cm)
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