Double Bass by Louis Lowendall, Berlin circa 1890

Louis Lowendall was a violin maker, dealer and entrepreneur who saw a gap in the market for well-made instruments that wouldn’t cost a fortune to buy. He is well recognised and credited with the production of many thousands of trade to good trade type instruments that were made by artisans in large workshops that he opened in both Germany and America. When ready these instruments were exported all over the world. Lowendall is also credited with the production of some better-quality instruments of which we believe this really splendid instrument is representative. The well flamed maple back and matching ribs and the straight even-grained spruce front demonstrate that this is an instrument of quality. The beautifully translucent deep blood-red spirit varnish over a yellow ground also strongly signifies the splendid quality of this instrument. Unfortunately, the instrument doesn't have a maker’s label. What is does display however, is the Lowendall logo on the back button and the city name BERLIN in capital letters positioned a centimetre below the convex line of the back button purfling.

We feel sure that you will be well impressed with the quality and volume of sound that this smallish instrument produces. With a very advantageous string length of only 104.1cm and a par-excellence set-up, the instrument is very easy to play.

As for the value aspect we are confident that you won't find a better-presented named old instrument of this quality for this sort of money.

Stats:

LOB (length of back) - 110.5cm (43.50in)
Width across upper bouts - 51.3cm (20.20in)
Width across middle bouts - 35.6cm (14.00in)
Width across lower bouts - 63.7cm (25.85in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates - 21.7cm (8.30in)
Body stop - 59.6cm (23.49in)
String length - 104.1cm (41.00in)

Reference number #2848