The Ex-David James Double Bass by William Howarth, Manchester circa 1890
This good looking and easily manageable violin outline example was formerly owned for over half a century by David James (b-1930, d-2018) who was a member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra from 1963 - 1996. In numbers this is an extraordinary 33 years. Prior to joining the LPO, David was a member of another LPO - the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for 6 years and prior to that he was a member of the Royal Artillery Band and the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra (1954). It was whilst in the RAB that David acquired the Howarth from a colleague by the name of John Jobson.
Internally the instrument bears the brand W. Howarth in capital letters just above the bottom block on the lower back and in an unusual break from tradition, the same brand stamp can easily be seen on the outside of the instrument at the bottom of the bass-side centre rib.
The instrument has recently undergone a full-rebuild that has put it into A1 structural condition. It possesses a really responsive, tonally-rich and well-balanced sound.
For the player of shorter stature this is really an excellent option.
Stats:
LOB (length of back) - 107.8cm (42.44in)Width across upper bouts - 50.8cm (20.00in)
Width across middle bouts - 36.3cm (14.29in)
Width across lower bouts - 66.0cm (25.98in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates - 21.8cm (8.58in)
Body Stop - 60.7cm (23.90in)
String length - 105.8cm (41.65in)
Reference number #2893