BANKS, BENJAMIN

   1) , Salisbury. Born 1727, died 1795. Foster in his excellent work calls him "one of England's best manufacturers. Too much cannot be said in praise of this justly celebrated Maker. The work of all the better class of instruments is excellent, the tone good of all; but that of the Violoncellos in particular is full and sonorous." Mr. Gardiner in his "Music and Friends," says "Banks of Salisbury's Violoncellos are of the finest quality of tone- not so strong and fiery as Foster's, but in sweetness and purity excelling them." They are chiefly of the Amati pattern. - The best Instruments have brownish yellow Varnish with a tinge of red, others deep red of a blackish tinge, Varnish not brilliant.

   2) , Son of the former, London, born 1754, died 1820.