1907 Lyon & Healy Flatback

[bianchibuck]

I have a 1907 Lyon & Healy flatback bass in 'decent' condition. I am not a professional bassist, but have taken it to two bass repair shops for their evaluations.

The bass has its fair share of cracks, but certainly nothing that compromises its overall structure. It is relatively solid.
(more pics available upon request)
Fully carved.
Full/thick ebony fingerboard.
Adjustable bridge/Diadario Strings
Sound described as 'buttery/resonant', 'loud', OK for classical, great for jazz.
Playable as/is, "could take it out and make money with it tonight" was how one professional described it.

The only 'bad', it has a muffled 'buzz' on the D and A strings. It is not loud or obnoxious.

The repair specialists have both said that it is likely a minor repair, but will require taking the top off. Both have estimated a $1,000 to $1,500 bill to 'completely' clean it up.

The bass has appraised for between $5K and $6.5K, IF, the repairs were made.

I have a 15 yr old budding oboist who needs a new Loree oboe. I am willing to sell the bass for $2,800 as-is, so that even with the repair cost (IF you decide to go all the way), it is still a bargain. Again, it is very playable as-is.

If you are interested, I can put you in touch with the repair specialists who have spent time with it.

I also have a nice french Seifert bow/holster if you are interested. (no cover) (forgive me, I am a new at this ..)

[Silversorcerer]

Perhaps the post should be in the classifieds, but thanks for showing us that bass. That's a really nice looking top and although I've heard nothing of Lyon & Healy, it sounds like it would be a nice instrument for someone.

[Bass Barrister]

Lyon & Healy was a large Chicago music retailer located in downtown Chicago that went out of business in 1979 (the building is now part of DePaul University's downtown campus). L&H did not make its own instruments other than harps (which it still makes in a factory located on Chicago's near west side). My belief is that your bass quite probably came from what is now part of the Czech Republic, as L&H had many instruments, both brass and strings, made there.