William Howarth Double bass for sale

William Howarth  (1862-1935) was born in Kings Cross, Halifax in Yorkshire. Where he spent his early life is unclear but by 1886 he was living in Newton Heath, Manchester where he married and started a large family. The 1891 Census describe William as a Pattern Maker and in 1901, a Wood Pattern Maker. This was a very skilled job and his knowledge of tools and materials would have been high. Between these two dates Howarth made double basses. Where he learned the craft is unknown but the instruments are beautifully made and, as became apparent later, he could play them too. By 1911 his profession is listed as “Bandsman”. This could have been a military title or simply, a musician. Interestingly his eldest son, Herbert, is also listed with the same profession. We next meet William Howarth in 1919 on the label of an instrument made in the area of Long sight, Manchester. Professional directories of this period list him as a Musician and he appears to have stayed in this area until his death in 1935. This particular bass was made in 1899. It is a fine orchestral instrument in excellent condition. It has acquired an extra coat of varnish but in all other respects is completely original.

Length of String 106.6cm   

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Hungarian bass- Istvan Farkas

Made in Hungary 2015 this fine bass has been reworked by Martin Penning . New bass bar , neck elevation , bridge and set up . Bel Canto Strings make it sound huge .
String length: 41&1/2 inch ; 106 cm.
Martin Penning Low C extension
Body stop ( top of table to centre nicks )
24 “ ; 61cm
Length of back 44 &7/8ths “ ; 114 cm
Ribs 8” / 20.3 cm
Neck step 35mm
Bridge height 6&1/2” or 16.5 cm

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