red-varnished instruments are the favourites.

BANKS, Benjamin, son of the above, born in September, 1754; died
January, 1820. Worked many years with his father at Salisbury,
afterwards removed to London, and lived at 30, Sherrard Street, Golden
Square.

BANKS, James.

James and Henry Banks,
Musical Instrument Makers
and Music Sellers,
18 Salisbury. 02

Brother of the above. For some years carried on the business of his
father at Salisbury, in conjunction with his brother Henry. They
ultimately sold the business and removed to Liverpool. The instruments
of James and Henry Banks are of average merit.

BARNES, Robert, 1710. Worked with Thomas Smith at the "Harp and
Hautboy" in Piccadilly. Afterwards partner with John Norris.

BARRETT, John, 1714.

John Barrett, at the Harp and
Crown in Pickadilly, 17--

Made by John Barrett at ye Harp &
Crown in Pickadilly, London, 17--

An average workman, who followed the model of Stainer. His shop bore
the sign of the "Harp and Crown." Barrett was one of the earliest
copyists of Stainer, and in the chain of English makers is linked with
Barak Norman and Nathaniel Cross. The wood is generally of a very good
quality, the varnish yellow.

BARTON, George, Old Bailey, London, about 1780-1810.

BETTS, John, born 1755, at Stamford, Lincolnshire, died in 1823.

Jo. Betts, No. 2,
near Northgate the
Royal Exchange,
London, 17--

Became a pupil of Richard Duke. He commenced business in one of the
shops of the Royal Exchange, where he soon enjoyed considerable
patronage. John Betts does not appear to have made a great number of
instruments, but employed many workmen, into whose instruments he
inserted his trade label. He was, perhaps, the earliest London dealer
in Italian instruments. His quaintly-worded business card runs:--

"John Betts, Real Musical Instrument Maker, at the Violin and German
Flute, No. 2, under the North Piazza of the Royal Exchange, makes in
the neatest manner, Violins the patterns of Antonius Stradivarius,
Hieronymus Amati, Jacobus Stainer, and Tyrols. Equal for the fine,
full, mellow tone to those made in Cremona. Tenors, Violoncellos,
Pentachords, &c., &c., &c."

The sound-holes of Betts' instruments are rather wide; broad purfling;
scroll well cut.

BETTS, Edward, nephew of John Betts; was a pupil of Richard Duke,
whose work he copied with considerable skill. Of course, in trying to
imitate Duke