Abraham Prescott

John Dilworth

PRESCOTT, Abraham Born 1789 Deerfield, died 1858 Concord, New Hampshire USA. Active instrument maker from 1809 whilst working as a farmer. Possibly a pupil of Benjamin Willard 1805-1810. Established from 1820, with several assistants, making American ‘church basses’ and double basses. Moved to Concord, New Hampshire 1831, and sold his interest in bass making to the Dearborn brothers 1845. From then on concentrated on making melodeons and other free-reed instruments. Joined by his son Abraham (II), the business was renamed Prescott & Son. A Baptist Church deacon, he was well-placed to supply his work to churches; they were used to accompany choirs where organs were not available. Almost 600 church basses and 207 double basses are recorded. Originally with three strings, most have been converted to four strings. Rarely purfled and with backs frequently of bird’s eye maple. Soundholes have the ends joined across the wing-tips. Of great historical importance in the early history of instrument making in the USA, his double basses have a fine reputation. The smaller ‘church basses’ are of historical interest. His pupils and employees spread the techniques of bowed instruments making across the eastern states. Abraham Prescott / Deerfield. N.H.