Bernard Simon Fendt II, c. 1840

Bernard Simon Fendt II (1801-1852) was born in London and in 1816 began working in John Betts' workshop alongside his father, Bernhard Simon Fendt I, who was a foreman in the shop. By 1831, Fendt II had formed a partnership with Joseph Charles Farn and after Farn's death in 1832, formed another partnership with George Purdy under the name "Purdy and Fendt". In 1852, both Fendt II and his son, William, died of tuberculosis. 

Bernard Simon Fendt II was regarded as a brilliant copyist and prolific maker, leaving behind a large output of beautifully executed copies of classical Italian works. His double basses are particularly cherished and he crafted two main models: a Nicolo Amati model and a Maggini model. John Dilworth states that he was 'equally famed for his exuberant double basses made on the Brescian model with flat backs and double purfling'. 

This particular example is a Maggini model c.1840. It features select materials throughout, including a straight-grain spruce top paired with a tightly flamed maple flatback, matching maple ribs, and a maple neck/scroll. Varnish is a golden brown and the instrument displays elegant double purfling, Brescian style f-holes, and an expertly carved scroll. This bass was restored in Canada by Mario Lamarre, set-up by Jed Kriegel in Boston, and has most recently been in the sections of Boston Symphony and Montreal Symphony. If you're on the hunt for a major league instrument with color, nuance, and seemingly limitless power, then don't miss out on this one!