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  • Northern English Double Bass full front image
  • Northern English Double Bass front image
  • Northern English Double Bass rear image
  • Northern English Double Bass left image
  • Northern English Double Bass right image
  • Northern English Double Bass left scroll image
  • Northern English Double Bass front scroll image
  • Northern English Double Bass front angle scroll image
  • Northern English Double Bass right scroll image
  • Northern English Double Bass back angle scroll image
  • Northern English Double Bass rear scroll image
  • Northern English Double Bass f-hole left
  • Northern English Double Bass f-hole right

Northern English Double Bass

This handsome and huge-sounding instrument was made in the second half of the nineteenth century in the northern part of England. Competing with the viol model double basses made by William Tarr and his followers in Manchester, other makers from the north of England preferred to take their inspiration from the double basses made a century earlier in London. This instrument clearly shows the inspiration from old London with its English Stainer-style soundholes, wide purfling, and tubby arch. The head is a fine example of that made by Hawkes & Son and was most likely fitted during conversion to four strings.

String Length:
106.7cm
Length of Back:
114.9cm
Rib Depth:
20.8cm
Upper Bout:
52.2cm
Centre Bout:
38.2cm
Lower Bout:
69.5cm

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