bollbach lion's head bass

[PB+J]

For anyone who's interested, Ken Smith has some great shots of Jeff Bollbach's Lion's head bass at his site.

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/Double...h/Bollbach.htm

If it sounds even a tiny bit as good as it looks, it must be an amazing bass

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Absolutely Gaww-juss! I wonder if Jeff could carve me a Juliette Binoche scroll...

[thumbin]

ooo very nice

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

Absolutely Gaww-juss! I wonder if Jeff could carve me a Juliette Binoche scroll...

Any particular part of her?

If I remember correctly, Jeff posted some pics of that one here while it was in progress, no?

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

Any particular part of her?

Just the face is enough.

Jeff did indeed post in progress pics. I was amazed at the vision and patience that must have taken...it took a while for me to see the lion. At the end, it looks incredible.

[arnoldschnitzer]

The pics don't do justice to Jeff's varnish, which is both a beautiful reddish hue and incredibly transparent. A LOT of elbow grease went into that finish!

[curious_george]

the tailpiece is beautiful. wow!

[Silversorcerer]

Truly a fantastic carving. Does anyone else see just a bit of "Jeff" himself in that lion? It could just be my imagination, but the expession on the lion is very strong and focused, but contented at the same time. It doesn't look like those menacing cats that are growling on some of the other lion heads that one sees. Beautiful work, Jeff!

Leave it to Ken Smith to inspire and promote fine contemporary makers' works as well as restore classic treasures. Quite a statement from both the maker and the owner.

[Jeff Bollbach]

Well yes, coincidentily[or not] I am a Leo but I think the similarities end there. SS, my old adversary, thank you for the kind words. Thanks to the rest of you for looking one more time at this old thing. It is ironic that it found a home with Ken don't ya think? Anyway I am honored that he decided to make my bass his first modern bass. It also shows that he's not a complete old bass addict.

[Alex Scott]

Very nice Jeff.

Did you mod those tuners or are they stock?

Thanks

[Damon Rondeau]

I find it really kewl that you made the lion look wise and affable. Fierce would have been the time-honoured obvious way to go, but your lion doesn't seem fierce. It seems, well, wise and affable.

And I still say that lion's got a lot of Bert Lahr in him.

[Silversorcerer]

Originally Posted by Jeff Bollbach

Well yes, coincidentily[or not] I am a Leo but I think the similarities end there. SS, my old adversary, thank you for the kind words. Thanks to the rest of you for looking one more time at this old thing. It is ironic that it found a home with Ken don't ya think? Anyway I am honored that he decided to make my bass his first modern bass. It also shows that he's not a complete old bass addict.

You just think I'm your old adversary (Snarl). Anyone else with hair almost as long as mine and bold enough to post a photo of himself in a tie-dyed shirt can't be too eccentric! Just keep quiet in those movie theatres. We can't afford to draw that much attention to ousrselves. I think that lion head you carved does suit you, and wise and affable are great descriptive words. As for Ken's interest in your work, I'm not that surprised. His eye for value in individual craftsmanship is pretty kean, so it is definitely a "compliment" when he recognizes that in your work.

BTW, Leo Fender was a Leo as well. I'm no astrology buff(oon), but co-incidences are what they are.

[Pcocobass]

Originally Posted by Jeff Bollbach

Well yes, coincidentily[or not] I am a Leo but I think the similarities end there. SS, my old adversary, thank you for the kind words. Thanks to the rest of you for looking one more time at this old thing. It is ironic that it found a home with Ken don't ya think? Anyway I am honored that he decided to make my bass his first modern bass. It also shows that he's not a complete old bass addict.

Oh.... Jeff, I was hoping you'd save that bass for me...

I love that lion head!!!

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by Pcocobass

Oh.... Jeff, I was hoping you'd save that bass for me...

I love that lion head!!!

After listening to samples of you playing that Kay, I wouldn't be in any hurry to improve things if I were you. You're killin'.

[Pcocobass]

Originally Posted by clink

After listening to samples of you playing that Kay, I wouldn't be in any hurry to improve things if I were you. You're killin'.

Thanks for the kind words, man.