The Ex-David Jones Double Bass by Ernest Francis Lant, Sevenoaks anno 1969

This smallish Testore copy has an impressive punchy sound and is a real delight to play. The instrument was originally commissioned as a five-string by David Jones who was a long serving member of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. Internally the instrument bears the makers original label on the back central brace, and no less than three thick-black-ink inscriptions. The instrument also sports two repairer’s inscriptions.

With the year 2019 marking the instrument’s first half-century of top-level music making, this well-made English instrument is looking far too cheap in comparison to English instruments that were made only another 50 years earlier.

Stats:

LOB (length of back) - 109.0cm (42.85in)
Width across upper bouts - 47.7cm (18.85in)
Width across middle bouts - 36.0cm (14.27in)
Width across lower bouts - 64.0cm (25.18in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates- 22.0cm (8.65in)
Body Stop - 62.2cm (24.50in)
String length - 106.6cm (42.00in)

Reference number #2699