French Solo/Jazz Double Bass circa 1920 - #2706

Model:

A delightfully slim, pear-shaped, swell-backed instrument in the manner of those produced by Rene Cune from 1920 onwards.

Timber:

Just take a look at the wood used in the making of this instrument. The back - in particular - is absolutely spectacular. There are slab-cut markings on the flanks (outer edges) with through and through cut flame markings towards the central back. Even the ribs show beautiful quarter-sawn markings while the table shows spruce with a good even grain. Visually this instrument is just such a feast for the eye.

Varnish:

There is a nice opaque covering of light golden-brown spirit varnish over a yellow ground.

Wait a minute - the back of the peg box is open!

Yes it is. For those of you who regularly change their strings from orchestral to solo and back again this innovative type of cut-out will make the fiddly and tiresome ordeal of restringing the instrument much, much easier.

Look at those nicely made cogs and worms.

Yes, the worms end in thumb pieces made from Bakelite. Bakelite was the very first type of plastic ever invented. First introduced around 1905 it came into extensive domestic and general use between 1910-20.

Has any restoration work been done?

Although the instrument was in superb condition when we acquired it - we wanted to make sure that it sounded as good as it looks. To do this we took the table off, removed the old bass bar, regraduated a seriously over-thick table and then replaced the old bass bar with a beautiful new one of the correct length and depth.

So how does it sound now?

We think that it has an absolutely stonking (loud, clear and projecting) good sound. But hey - sound is such a subjective thing - we don¹t want you to just take our word for it - we want you to come and try the instrument out for yourselves.

But will this instrument suit me?

This instrument is absolutely ideal for a smaller person a jazz player or for somebody intending to have solo career. In fact it is absolutely perfect for anybody who wishes to make the task of playing the bass seem like child's play.

Summary:

An absolutely gorgeous looking instrument in gorgeous condition and with a gorgeously clear projecting sound.

Stats:

LOB (length of back) - 111.7cm (44.0cm)
Width at the upper bouts - 47.0cm (18.50in)
Width at the middle bouts - 34.7cm (13.65in)
Width at the lower bouts - 66.6cm (26.20in)
Body stop - 60.0cm (23.65in)
St. length 106.0cm (41.70in)

Price: £14 000-00 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

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