Reinhold Herold, Brunndobra (Saxony) Double Bass circa 1840 - #2579 |
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Who was Herold? Raymond Elgar in his reference dictionary "Looking at the double bass" (1967 - published by the author.) writes that Herold worked in Brunndobra in the early part of the 19th century and made well made instruments that were based on a Stradivarian model. Elgar praises Herold`s instruments for their good tone and notes that his label was usually affixed in a difficult to find position - against the lining of the G-string side upper inside table. Indeed we did find the original label located more or less in that exact position. It reads (printed) "Reinhold Herold, Bass-und Cello-Fabrikation, Brunndobra b. Klingenthal" followed in hand written ink "in Sachsen, Germany". Why place the label in that inaccessible position? One theory proposed by one of our expert restorers - namely Roger Dawson - was that Herold had an outlet for his instruments either through the "trade" or via some other reseller or retail outlet who actually stipulated at the time of their order that Herold`s own label would not be required. This sort of request never goes down well with any maker worth his salt - so the practice of hiding ones personal details in a non visual position was frequently adopted under such circumstances. To make viewing of the label easier The Contrabass Shoppe has taken the liberty of relocating the label to a more conventional position - on the back and visual through the bass-side F-hole. Description: So an excellent write up about Herold from Henley - and quite deservedly so - for this really is a well-made, well-proportioned viol outline instrument. Of note is the use of spectacularly flamed maple in the back, ribs and scroll and the subtle use of scalloped linings on the rib-plate join is original. The original spirit varnish is particularly well preserved and is of an appealing golden brown in colour. How do you know that the instrument dates from circa 1840? That's a very good question for the instrument's appearance is deceptive and besides one does tend to make a later date assumption due to the fact that early nineteenth century German instruments are infrequently found these days. So - in answer to the question - we at The Contrabass Shoppe were fortunate to see - shortly after purchasing this instrument - a near identical instrument by Herold. In addition to a date of 1840 on the label there was also an 1840 date accompanied by the makers signature on the inside table. The instrument looks to be in great condition: Yes it is. The Contrabass Shoppe has really gone to town to put this instrument into the really tip top condition that you now find it. In addition to badly torn edges and cracks being sorted out we've replaced the old bass bar and we've secured the critical post area with a patch of the right size and shape. So as to complement the beautifully flamed wood of the back and ribs we've put in (specially selected out of a number of neck-blocks that we imported some two years ago from Bosnia) a highly figured maple neck. In addition - and as you'd expect - we've fitted a superb quality fingerboard imported from India, a top quality bridge imported from Mirecourt and a brilliantly engineered endpin unit that was made to our own specifications - here in England. In total nearly four months of work have been lavished on this one instrument by our repairer M.J.Bailey. It is now well ready to see out it's next 164 years plus of music making. Will the instrument suit me? This instrument has all the right sound qualities (tonally rich with plenty of volume) suitable for a life in the symphony or chamber orchestra. The dimensions are smallish, so for those player who are of a slightly smaller stature this instrument should be placed high up on your list of worthy contenders. As estate agents say - "an early viewing is highly recommended".
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