Bass Maker G.E. Bryant Lowell

nandobass · #1 04-18-2010, 02:47 AM

HI just bought a bass from 1880's no label inside but it does have the G.E. Bryant Lowell engraved on both tuning plates, and a fancy sea shell type of shape carved on the back near the neck joint.
Does anyone anything about this bass maker?
Aperantly he was a violin maker fro 1883 t0 early 1915 in MA area...

Thanks

drurb · #2 04-18-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nandobass

HI just bought a bass from 1880's no label inside but it does have the G.E. Bryant Lowell engraved on both tuning plates, and a fancy sea shell type of shape carved on the back near the neck joint.
Does anyone anything about this bass maker?
Aperantly he was a violin maker fro 1883 t0 early 1915 in MA area...
Does anyone know how much its worth?
Thanks

Welcome to TB!

We do appraisals every Tuesday from 3:00 - 5:00 PM and by appointment on Saturdays. The cost is $100 per thousand of value with a minimum charge of $250, payable in advance via credit card or money order. Okay, okay...

I have no specific information regarding that name. Could it be that the name is G. E. Bryant and that he was from Lowell, MA? No one here can provide anything even approximating an appraisal without so much as even seeing pictures. Perhaps you could post some. Even then, it'll take a qualified luthier to assign a value. As for it's worth, well, you already bought it so it's worth to you at least what you paid. Where did you buy it and what did you pay? Did you take it to a luthier first? Where do you live? It would help us to help you and get to know you if you'd fill out your profile.

nandobass · #3 04-19-2010, 09:05 AM

Thank YOU. I am Los Angeles I will post some pics asap. I just joined the TB I will fill my profile..THanks
It would be great to find out some history on G.E. Bryant

Eric Hochberg · #4 04-19-2010, 09:29 AM

Take it to Lisa Gass and Lemer Music, ask them about it and then let us know what they say.

powerbass · #5 04-19-2010, 04:43 PM

This may help. In 2001 there was an exhibit at the Springfield, MA Museum of early American violin makers from the Connecticut River Valley. You might find some help here - http://www.easthamptonviolin.com/eas...eumexhibit.htm. Easthampton Violin helped research this they may have info http://www.easthamptonviolin.com/about.php

Ron Midgett

email: info@easthamptonviolin.com

Tel: (413)527-8033 or 1(800)207-2400

powerbass · #6 04-19-2010, 05:46 PM

Check out this bass from the exhibit

nandobass · #7 04-21-2010, 12:29 AM

thanks everyone for the help. I will let you all know what I can find out about this maker

bribass · #8 04-21-2010, 11:28 AM

You should read this old thread on early American makers Prescotts and other 1800s Yankee Basses

and check out Ken Smith's bass chat site that also has a more recent continuation of the thread; http://www.smithbassforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Post some pics on Ken's site and I'm sure he'd be happy to give some info. He's quite knowledgeable. I believe I've read posts where he talks of this maker.

Good luck, BG

nandobass · #9 04-27-2010, 11:46 AM

Thank YOU Bribass & Power bass those links were great.

RobinAlston · #10 07-13-2010, 09:20 PM

You can read all about my him here in my family history page ... http://thehofmannandbryantfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/

Paul Warburton · #11 07-14-2010, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bribass

You should read this old thread on early American makers Prescotts and other 1800s Yankee Basses
Post some pics on Ken's site and I'm sure he'd be happy to give some info. He's quite knowledgeable. I believe I've read posts where he talks of this maker.
Good luck, BG

Man, say what you want about Ken Smith....I miss him. He knew how to get people going. His passion for the bass is big medicine, IMO.
Good memories.