Hawkes-Composite

This Bass came to us recently with some nice history attached. The Top and Gears were found in England and reportedly came from an old French model Hawkes (Riviere-Hawkes c.1885). Then the Back and Ribs were made in Budapest from 20 year old local Walnut. The Neck and Pegbox made as one piece modeled after the Hawkes Panormo Basses, and the Head/Scroll attached at the inner curve of the Pegbox from a 60 year old Hungarian Neck. Quite the Smorgasbord of a Bass here with a nicely carved 100 year old Hungarian Tailpiece. The final result, a Bass that looks Italian in shape and finish, Hungarian in the head and tail, and German on the sides. Oh, and don't forget the French Top and the Tuning Gears that were typical on most French Basses as well as the Hawkes imports from both Germany and France. The Bass is topped off with a nice olde-country antiqued varnish.

French Hawkes Top w/Hawkes & Son modeling, c.1885-2010
Upper Bout: 20 5/8"	Belly Length: 45 1/4" (Back to Button, 46 3/8")
Center Bout: 15 3/4"	String Length: 41 5/8"
Bottom Bout: 27"	Varnish: Dark Brown
Rib Depth: 8 1/4" ( tapers to 6 3/8" at the Neck)
Top: Silver Spruce c.1880s (reportedly from a French Hawkes c.1885)
Back: European Walnut, 20 year aged stock
Ribs: European Walnut, 20 year aged stock
Neck / Scroll: Maple Head (60 years old) with new Maple Neck and Pegbox
Features: A nice Old re-born European Double Bass. The look and sound is mature but much of the work is contemporary. This Bass has been Sold.