We are pleased to offer this excellent double bass by George Craske,
made in Manchester around 1860. Craske made many violin family
instruments during his long career, including 20 double basses. This
later round-backed instrument is exceptionally well crafted and the
most original and well-preserved example we have seen. It is offered in
excellent condition and features a beautiful head made originally with four
strings. Our workshop has made a new neck and set this instrument
up to the highest standards. It is extremely playable and would be
an excellent orchestral partner or a dream solo double bass. During
Stravinsky’s 1962 tour of South Africa, the double bass’s owner had him
sign the back of the instrument with a nail, and the double bass was
affectionately known as Igor going forward.
Description: The front is constructed from two pieces of medium-grained
spruce with wings added at the lower bouts. The back is round with a
break and is constructed from two pieces of half slab-cut flamed maple.
Both the front and back have a single line of purfling. The sides are made
from matching flamed maple to the back. The head is carved from lightly
flamed maple and is fitted with four original Northern English machine
heads set on brass cheek plates. The instrument is covered in an ambered varnish laid over a vibrant golden ground.
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