First Parish Bedford UU

Upgrading the Prescott Bass

Overview

The Grand Restoration project began in December 2006 with a drive to raise funds for rebuilding our 1902 Steinway grand piano.

We needed roughly $16,000 to get this done. We received 92 donations totalling $18,730. At that time, we announced that we would use remaining funds to undertake a similar upgrade of the Prescott bass. Volker Nahrmann (http://www.nahrmannbass.com/) started restoring it to playable condition, in its original 3-string configuration, a few months ago, and finished in July.

The Restored Bass

Of special interest are some signatures, dates and initials carved into the two brass plates on either side of the headstock (where the strings are wound around the tuning machines). We are researching these and will let you know what we find out.

     Photography by Carlton SooHoo.

We plan to complete this project with conversion of the bass to a modern 4-string configuration, enabling us to use it in services and music events. The bass will once again take its place as an active element of the First Parish community. I expect to complete the conversion design soon after Volker returns from his European trip. Check this page for updates.

- Dean Groves, Music Committee Chair