Johann Klier, Bohemia - Double Bass circa 1890 - #2454 |
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Everything about this instrument by Johann Klier can be termed awesome. Firstly in terms of scale this instrument is most impressionable due to its five-fourths size and its imposing swell-back violin-outline model. Secondly in terms of a report on condition, this instrument is quite spectacular and thirdly, in terms of sound quality, production and volume this instrument is simply mega. So who was Johann Klier? Well the Encyclopedia of Violin Makers by Karel Jalovec lists no less than 23 makers with the same surname. Nearly all of these makers were members or descendants of the same family who lived and worked in Schönbach, a town right in the middle of the historic violin making area roughly encompassed by Nuremberg, Leipzig and Prague. The inside back of this instrument bears a large original label that notifies us of Klier`s location; JOHANN KLIER, STEINGRUB, Post Fleissen, Böhmen (CSR) Jalovec informs us that besides his production of new instruments Klier also undertook repairs and manufactured strings. What repair work was undertaken on this instrument? Prior to the removal of the table by ‘The Contrabass Shoppe' evidence suggested that the table had only ever been removed the once. Indeed a red-pencil inscription and date of 17th March 1960 on the inside table is presumably from that of an Eastern European repairer. The instrument now benefits from a new bass bar, some half edging work and a very minor amount of reduction work to the thickness of the table. A stunning new neck and complementary fingerboard have been fitted that provide the player with both the correct angle for ease of use and bearing in mind that this is a full size instrument, the string length works out at an incredibly manageable 41.5in (105.6cm). Finishing touches to the neck include the reshaping of the back button with the fitment of an ebony crown and the fitment of ebony strips to the neck/ribs join. How does the Klier match up with the English orchestral instruments that ‘The Contrabass Shoppe' has on offer in ‘The Top Quality Instruments' section? Really, the quality of making in this instrument is excellent and the huge basso-organ like sound and full-rounded tone compete favourably with the best of the English instruments. With so many of the English instruments now well out of the reach of many players, from the financial viewpoint this glorious instrument is easily the next best thing. Width at the upper bout 21in (53.2cm) Price UK£ 18,000 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant
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