![](../logo.jpg)
William Gilkes
William
Gilkes son of Samuel, was born in Westminster, London in 1811. He died in
1875, having worked and lived in Wandsworth, South London. He, as you can
see from this photograph, made copies of great Italian makers like Paulo
Maggini, which this particular bass is modelled after. Like most of the
English 19th. century school of makers, Gilkes instruments work. In many
respects, I think English double-basses are the best buys that an
orchestral player can buy. The trouble with some of the great Italian
masters is that some of their instruments have such a distinct sound that
they can stand out like sore thumbs. Great for solo playing or even
chamber music, when only one or two basses are needed, but to stand out in
an orchestral section can sometimes be working against a player as apposed
to working for the section. At the end of the day, a bass section is just
that, a section. One does not really want to hear only one three and eight
player, one want to hear the whole section. To me, that is the great
talent that the English sound has, it blends well. A big warm sound that
will only enhance the cellos, viola and violins. The bass is after all,
the bass of the orchestra, it props up the whole orchestra, so what is
needed is a sound that will cut through without standing out. English
basses, such as Gilkes, Lott, Kennedy and Fendt. Great makers one and all,
and all copying the great tradition that was started in the Italian school
of makers. So what makes a good bass ? Is it the shape, maybe ? Is it the
wood, maybe ? Is it this or is it that ? The truth is probably
encompassing all of the above and more ? I have a theory. My theory is
that, what made England great ? The ships called the wooden walls of
England. And what made the wooden walls of England ? The wood that came
from forests that stretched from the south of England to the far north. A
forest that had taken thousands of years to grow. Think of Englands
weather, not cold, not hot, not dry, but plenty of rain and sun. The right
combination for growing really fine trees. And history has shown in many
ways that England had the best trees in Europe. Cut these trees, store the
wood and what have you got ? Great instruments from great makers.
Bernie Cash
Dear Bernie Cash. A great friend who I miss so very much.
Bernie was a fine old school player, one who had the fine ability to cross
from classical to jazz at the drop of a hat, or a telephone call from the
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra or his friend and mine Peter Ind at the
"Bass Clef". Sadly for all of us, Bernie died very suddenly some
years ago while on tour with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany.
Bernie had several very good instruments including the above William
Gilkes which he bought some years ago from us. He also bought a Louis
Lawendahl double-bass from Gallery Strings. A very early Dresdon Lawendahl
of c1780. He also owned one of the best examples of John Lott
double-basses that I have ever seen, sadly not bought from us. He was a
prince among us and will be remembered by one and all who new him.
|