Lot number 2704 - Auction 150
SELTENE BASS TEUFELSGEIGE / BUMBASS

RARE BASS DEVIL'S VIOLIN / BUMBASS German, 20th century. Stick and pegs of various woods, veneered, four strings, pegs, two spring-loaded cymbals, body with drum, on a stand. H. 182, w. 42, d. 30 cm. This large-format bass devil's violin (also known as a bumbass or beggar's violin) is a rare, handmade example of an extended devil's violin - a popular rhythm instrument that was particularly widespread in the German-speaking carnival and street music tradition. This unusual variant combines the typical rattling and percussive elements with a complete, playable set of strings in bass tuning. Out of tune, minor signs of use. Literature: Cf. Ehrenwerth: 'Teufelsgeige und ländliche Musikkapellen in Westfalen', Münster, 1992. Provenance: Private collection Baden-Württemberg.