Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 339
Scan 339
the history of the violin, 1864
10 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 317. See the scan on archive.org.
1October, 1822, for Mr. Samuel Deacon, of Leicester, who, it is believed, still retains it. All the double-basses were made of the same shape as the violoncello; not tapered off and bevelled at the fore end of the sides, and the back for greater convenience to the performer, but at the same time a probable injury to the tone.
3Previous to giving the list of instruments made by William Forster (2), assisted by his son and workmen, it will be proper to mention that it can only approximate to correctness from the deficiency in the account-books before referred to. It is with some difficulty that the list in its present state has been accomplished; but, as far as enumerated, it may be relied on. The numbers on the instruments do not assist to arrive at satisfactory conclusions, as they are occasionally marked for those made in each year, at other times altogether omitted, and sometimes marked in succession from year to year.
5Three distinct classes of work were adopted; but the style, to a certain extent, was retained through all of them; therefore known as from this maker. The commonest instruments were not purfled, and they had oil varnish of an inferior quality; and in later times, when the name became famous, few of this class were made in consequence of the deceit and fraud practised by persons getting them purfled, and selling them as "genuine Forster's," for a larger sum than they were really worth.
7The next class was much better finished; they were all purfled, and a superior varnish used; therefore formed an intermediate instrument to the next or highest style of workmanship, in which everything was embodied to conduce to excellence, to beautiful appearance, and to the finest tone.
9The earliest or first entry that is met with in the old
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