George Craske Double Bass circa 1845
This is an absolutely magnificent example of the work of George Craske. It is of violin outline and has a flat back with upper-angle break. The front and back have an “affect” purfling. The golden-brown varnish is the original.
The instrument bears two repair labels on the inside back and a pen inscription on the bass side lower-rib. Unfortunately, there is no maker's label or inscription present.
If George Craske had devoted much more of his time and very capable efforts to the making of double basses, he would undoubtedly rank highly in the annals of bass making greats. As it is, we are pretty sure that you'll have to wait an inordinate amount of time before you see another example, let alone one of this merit, character and condition.
If you are a player looking for a fine concert instrument or a collector with an eye for a good investment then this well made, superb looking, superb sounding instrument by Craske ticks all the right boxes for sure.
This fine instrument is featured over four full colour pages in the publication The English Double Bass by Thomas Martin, Martin Lawrence and George Martin.
Stats:
LOB (length of back) - 112.6cm (44.30in)
Width across upper bouts - 50.9cm (20.00in)
Width across middle bouts - 36.4cm (14.25in)
Width across lower bouts - 66.5cm (26.40in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates- 20.0cm (7.85in)
Body Stop - 60.0cm (23.65in)
String length - 105.5cm (41.50in)