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Jerome Thibouville-Lamy worked in Mirecourt and Paris.
He became the sole proprietor of various factories at Mirecourt
and was responsible for the gradual change in production methods
that occurred from 1870 onwards. Machinery was introduced into the
factories and instead of producing instruments made entirely by
hand, production increasingly became machine assisted. Many of the
bland "red-coloured" instruments that are generally termed or called
"Lamy" emanate from this type of production line.
This double bass however is not your ordinary Lamy-type
instrument. It is a top class French instrument made in Paris circa
1870 which bears the "L" brand just below the back button and internally
the label of Jerome Thibouville-Lamy's independent work. This is
the quality of work that should have inspired all those who worked
for this entrepreneurial craftsman. This is the quality of work
that should be inspirational to all modern day bass makers.
The table wood on this viol shape, swell backed instrument
is exceptional. The proportion and carving of the scroll are masterful.
The subtle hues in the reddish-brown to orange-brown varnish are
wonderful. Sound too suggests that this instrument has been made
properly and with good quality materials.
Some work has been necessary to place this instrument
into the super-fine structural and playing condition that you now
find it. The programme of work has included the gluing and studding
of all cracks, rethicknessing work to an excessively (13mm) thick
table, the fitment of a new bass bar, the replacement of half edging
and edging where necessary, the fitment of a new fingerboard, the
reshaping of the neck plus the obligatory fitment of a new sound
post, bridge and all necessary work to touch in the varnish.
Who ever said that French instruments are ordinary,
boring and sound nasal should take a look and listen to this instrument.
LOB 45 (114.7cm)
St length 42.4in (107.6cm)
The Contrabass Shoppe
is proud that the talented jazz player Mr Paul Langosch, bassist
for the legendary singer Tony Bennett selected this fine instrument
to use when Mr Bennett appeared recently on BBC television with
the chat show host Michael Parkinson. Bravo Tony. Fine playing Paul.
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