1962 3/4 Voit & Geiger Bass

[DonnaA]

Hi everyone - I’m looking for a little pricing advice about a 1962 Voit & Geiger ¾ double bass made in Bubenreuth, Germany by Wenzl B. Wilfer (who, I was told, was Emanual Wilfer’s grandnephew). I’ve owned the bass since 1978 when I bought it to play in my university orchestra. I haven’t played it in quite a while and am looking to sell it. I live in Seattle and talked with the guys at Hammond Ashley, who were very helpful. Apparently, it has a little history to it. According to H-A, who visited the shop in Germany a couple of years ago, six of these were made back in the 1960’s as a custom order for a shop on the east coast. They think it may be a copy of a Kay Slim model bass but in a solid wood model. I had it prepped to sell in 2003 and had it in their shop on consignment for a year or so but ended up taking it back. Here are the specs (to the best of my measuring ability):

Solid European maple back
Solid European spruce top
Adjustable Bridge
String length: 41” (nut to bridge)
Upper Bout Width: 19 ½”
Lower Bout Width: 26”
Rib Depth: 5 1/2 “
Overall length: 71-72”
I also have a Brazilwood German bow (replacement value $300) and Pernambuco French bow ($600) a worn canvas case and a caddy.

I’m really a former french horn player and not a string expert but the guys at H-A say it gets a “remarkable sound despite its narrow sides.” It has a small crack on the front bottom but it’s been there for 30 years and hasn’t changed any. The previous owner was my horn teacher’s husband who gigged on weekends with a jazz trio, so it’s seen a little wear. But overall, it’s quite a superb instrument. Any ideas on what I should ask for it? If you are interested in purchasing it or would like to see photos, email me at coachdonna1@gmail.com. Thanks very much.

[LouisF]

Sounds like this might be comparable:

http://www.uptonbass.com/1938-Voit-G...e-Double-Bass/

[bribass]

Although they both have similar "pancake" rib depths DonnaA's bass has smaller upper & lower bouts and and a shorter string length measurement.

BG

[Francois Blais]

Moved to the "Basses" discussion forum.
Please only post on the Classifieds when you're ready to sell as you must provide a price.

Regards,
François

[Eric Hochberg]

Bill Merchant was selling one a few years ago in his shop in NYC. I think he was asking 18K. It had a big sound!

[DonnaA]

Yep, this one gets a pretty amazing sound as well. Thanks to everyone for all of the input, I appreciate it.

[pnchad]

I too have one. 1938 V&G supposedly there were only 11 of these built then - not sure by who - was a Chicago Co.

Anyway I've had mine since about 1992 when I rescued it from the remains of the Musicians Exchange of Jaco fame in Fort Lauderdale, FL

I have many basses including older (more valuable?) DBs and 18 very high-end EBs. This thing was in an unairconditioned FL garage for a while - dust, mildew, cracks, open seams, etc.

I re-learned the DB on the bass but it was sad. Three years ago I rebuilt/restored it and documented the process here with some serious help (I'm an amatuer luthier) and some nasty criticism. Anyway, I removed the top cleated and leveled some cracks, polished the nice brass tuners, new bridge/tailpiece/endpin, etc. It turned out pretty well although it's still ugly, the pegbox is warped the FB is a bit twisted but it played well - I put it away.

I went back to my high-end flatback and forgot about the V&G.

Recently because of pain and curiousity I picked it up. It's a freggin' cannon - shallow ribs - whaaaaaa?

It has the thinest nicest feeling neck, it sustains forever, it has extraordinary punch (don't even remember what these strings are on it) and LOUD

This sucker is soooo loud that I have to worry about the arco volume and the neighbors - did I mention it bows effortlessly.

Who knew?

[Phil Rowan]

A friend of mine has one of these and it is LOUD.