1942 Mario Bedocchi

Kindness · #1 10-07-2006, 12:47 PM

I am currently auditioning the 1942 Mario Bedocchi listed and pictured on Michelle Fiore's website http://www.allthingsbass.com. I have had it since Monday and can say it has a nice warm even round tone that is very consistent in all ranges. It plays well and is in good physical condition. My instructor took a look at it this morning at my weekly lesson and gave his approval, commenting that it plays above it's price. All I know about the bass is what I've been told and observed, I don't have a lot of experience with basses other than the Engelhardt EM-1 I've been renting the past 2+ years. I know it's a fully carved 65 year old Italian bass, but I'd love to know if anyone here knows anything about the bass, the maker, the style, the value, etc. I am armed with a camera if any additional pictures might help. Thanks in advance.

jallenbass · #2 10-07-2006, 01:33 PM

How much is it?

Kindness · #3 10-07-2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallenbass

How much is it?

10k

kontrabass · #4 10-07-2006, 02:11 PM

Not to change the subject..but I have been wondering about that "Maggini" (or Maggini, depending on whether it is real or not) ever since it was put online.

The Bedocchi looks great. If you like her, then take it! It is always nice to have some extra info on where your bass comes from though.

FidgetStone · #5 10-07-2006, 02:45 PM

I would have to think that an Italian bass made in the middle of world war two would be incredibly rare. Thoughts anyone?

arnoldschnitzer · #6 10-07-2006, 04:08 PM

Not only rare but priced three times as high (or more). Are you sure about its origin?

Mike Goodbar · #7 10-07-2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by www.grantviolins.com.au

Born in 1880 in the Italian province of Reggio Emilia. Mario Bedocchi was the recipient of various awards throughout his life, including medals at the Exhibitions of Rome, London and Padua and exhibited three violins and a viola at the prestigious Cremonese Exhibition in 1937.

I've had fine work done by Michelle, and I think she's a straight shooter. I see its on consignment; perhaps priced to move.

Mike Goodbar · #8 10-07-2006, 05:29 PM

From www.grantviolins.com.au:

Born in 1880 in the Italian province of Reggio Emilia. Mario Bedocchi was the recipient of various awards throughout his life, including medals at the Exhibitions of Rome, London and Padua and exhibited three violins and a viola at the prestigious Cremonese Exhibition in 1937.

I've had fine work done by Michelle, and I think she's a straight shooter. I see its on consignment; perhaps priced to move.

LouisF · #9 10-07-2006, 07:48 PM

+ 1 pn Michelle

LF

Kindness · #10 10-08-2006, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

Not only rare but priced three times as high (or more). Are you sure about its origin?

I am not sure. I have no ability to judge these things. I have had the thought several times this week "who was making basses in Italy in 1942?" Based on your comments and Ken's, I strongly doubt it's origin. However, if it is authentic, it sounds like it is a steal. How do I know for sure? Or do I already know for sure it is not? Would any further pictures help? Arnold? Ken?

I know that in the end what matter most is sound and feel, but I would feel strange owning a bass that claims to be something it is not. I might be more at peace with a bass I know to be authentic, be that one of Michelle's new Shen's or something else entirely.

And thanks for all of your replies.

Kindness · #11 10-08-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

...but the 55 years of 'normal' playing wear is just not there. THIS is one of the main reasons I suspect your Bass posted from 1942. Did it just come out of the Closet after 64 years?

If this is the main reason, I feel a little better. It has clearly been played quite a bit or antiqued to look like it has. Plenty of bow marks along the bouts. No finish on the edges where it has been set down. It has the type of finish wear along the body you'd expect from an older bass. There has been some repair work done to the bass and my instructor believes the fingerboard is nearing the end of its life. Things like that. The pictures on Michelle's site show none of this, but it took me a moment to believe I was looking at the same bass when I saw it online. That said, I fall back to my previous comment, I am not qualified in any way to make a real determination.

Would it be rude to tell Michelle I'd like to have someone else look at it to verify its pedigree? If not, is there anyone in particular I should ask?

Kindness · #12 10-08-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

No, not at all. Even if she were a well known international dealer of antique Violins and Basses, it would be wise to do so. The price however seems way way to low. If it is for real, I just might buy it myself.

I will certainly have to ask her more questions and get another opinion. I just wish I could be more confident in knowing what I am dealing with. Damn that day job!

If it is real, I'll buy it and sell it to you for a slight profit.

BMason · #13 10-08-2006, 11:12 PM

You really never can judge by someone's asking price. My 19th century, solid Tyrol bass was $3,500 with a good bag and bow, the bag and bow, combined, being worth a good $700. So, technically, I got a nicely aged Tyrol for $2,800. The average price for a bass of this nature is usually anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $15,000. Maybe Michelle, like my guy, is just trying to cut a deal.

Michelle Fiore · #14 10-21-2006, 12:34 PM

I was recently advised of this discussion on talkbass and thought I would chime in. As I explained to my customer before he posted the original question on this topic, I was unable to verify the label of the purported Mario Bedocchi bass, but questioned its authenticity. I priced the bass based solely on tone quality and condition without any weight to the purported label. In retrospect, given my own disbelief in the label, which I communicated to my customer, I should not have listed the label on my website. If any one has any questions regarding the bass, please contact me.

The investigation of the authenticity of the Maggini is ongoing, but there is fair reason to believe that this instrument may be the Maggini Dumas bass.

Michelle

LouisF · #15 10-21-2006, 01:25 PM

Michelle -

Good for you! Sometimes the boys need a good den mother around here!!

Louis

Kindness · #16 10-21-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle Fiore

I was recently advised of this discussion on talkbass and thought I would chime in. As I explained to my customer before he posted the original question on this topic, I was unable to verify the label of the purported Mario Bedocchi bass, but questioned its authenticity. I priced the bass based solely on tone quality and condition without any weight to the purported label. In retrospect, given my own disbelief in the label, which I communicated to my customer, I should not have listed the label on my website. If any one has any questions regarding the bass, please contact me.

The investigation of the authenticity of the Maggini is ongoing, but there is fair reason to believe that this instrument may be the Maggini Dumas bass.

Michelle

In case anyone has read anything negative about Michelle from any of my posts, let me clearly state that Michelle has been friendly, forthcoming, respectful and perfectly professional every time I have communicated with her via e-mail, the phone and in person - even when my two year old son was chasing after her cat! The bass she let me take home to audition was never hyped as something it is not, it was simply listed exactly as it is identified by its label. Everyone that has seen the bass has been impressed with it, especially at its price and I expect to purchase the bass after Michelle makes some minor adjustments to it that were recommended by my instructor. Based on my experiences, I will take my business to Michelle every chance I get.

Thanks to everyone that helped me learn a little more about this instrument.

arnoldschnitzer · #17 10-22-2006, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle Fiore

I was recently advised of this discussion on talkbass and thought I would chime in. As I explained to my customer before he posted the original question on this topic, I was unable to verify the label of the purported Mario Bedocchi bass, but questioned its authenticity. I priced the bass based solely on tone quality and condition without any weight to the purported label. In retrospect, given my own disbelief in the label, which I communicated to my customer, I should not have listed the label on my website. If any one has any questions regarding the bass, please contact me. Michelle

Well-stated and classy response!