Has anyone seen or played this bass @ Heinl in Toronto

[carlopetro]

Hello,

I am currently in the market for a bass and considering the Hawkes that is currently at Heinl in Toronto. I live no where near Toronto and if anyone could give me any history or comments on this bass it is much appreciated.

Has anyone played this bass, or does anyone know its history (previous owner etc.)

Thanks in advance,
Carlo

[bejoyous]

I tried out a Hawkes bass when I was in university. They have large shoulders which makes the upper registers a bit difficult to access. But, they really increase the inner air volume. They also usually have very swelled backs. They generally have a huge sound that'll knock your fillings out.


It would be a good idea to find out which grade of instrument it is (see below).

Here is some general info on Hawkes bass from Contrabass.co.uk:
Do you have any general info on Hawkes & Son?

Yes - the instruments manufactured by Hawkes & Son during the latter quarter of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century were often supplied to the many army and military bands that existed especially in England. There were three grades of instruments - namely Professor, Concert and Panormo - that were based on the unsurpassable form of Vincenzo Panormo's instruments.

All the models are characterized by their violin outline, deep ribs and generous proportions which are by no means too large to play easily. The Professor was a flat back model with an upper angle break and often outside linings - while the Concert and Panormo were produced with full swell backs.

To meet the demand for these robust and well-constructed instruments a great majority were imported from Germany and France - the Concert and Panormo models being superior in their choice of timber, workmanship and finish than those of the Professor. In 1924 the four string Professor instruments were being advertised at £22, the four string Concert at £26 and the four string Panormo model was £36. For the three string versions of these same models prices were £20, £24 and £32 respectively. The advert aptly proving that in England there was still some demand for the three stringed instruments even at this late date.



Call Heinl's (416-363-0093) and ask for Troy. He'll probably be able to tell you everything about the bass.

[neal davis]

If it was the Hawkes that was in there a few months back it was one of the quietest hawkes I've ever played, I believe it was a non pro's bass for many years, felt great but was really quiet not a cannnon at all, I think they were asking 25 000 for it if I recall and if it sounded like other hawkes I've played I would have jumped at it.

[carlopetro]

Originally Posted by neal davis

If it was the Hawkes that was in there a few months back it was one of the quietest hawkes I've ever played, I believe it was a non pro's bass for many years, felt great but was really quiet not a cannnon at all, I think they were asking 25 000 for it if I recall and if it sounded like other hawkes I've played I would have jumped at it.

Thanks, that’s exactly the input I’m looking for. Your right, apparently it belonged to a "good, none pro player". That's all I know.

[Salty]

Do tell!

[carlopetro]

Originally Posted by Salty

Do tell!

No I haven't. Posted this message so I could get idea before I made the trip to Toronto. ???????

[Salty]

OK cool, it would be great to hear about it if or when you do get up there. Best, Matt

[anonymous12251111]

I found the dimensions of the bass fine, but there seemed to be something bad going on in the inside of the bass, its sound was very hushed and not even remotely loud.

[neal davis]

it has sold anyway so it is someone elses issue right now