Adhesive smell and the age of a bass

Tightanic · #1 08-23-2010, 08:23 PM

Hi everybody,

it's been ages since I last started a thread on Talkbass, but I suppose it's never too late!

I was offered a bass which is supposed to be (probably) German and around 70-90 years old. It plays and sounds very nicely, pretty even all across the fingerboard, not tons of character but a nice growl, also fits the style of "teutonic" basses of that period. The bass has apparently been refinished around 10 years ago and there's a really thick varnish which makes it feel somewhat sticky and it also looks sort of splinted throughout, not entirely ugly though, nice color. It's age has been estimated before and recently confirmed on a well known luthier's forum, granted only from looking at the pictures that were posted.

The bass is virtually crack free which also surprised me quite a bit considering it's age and the type of the instrument which are usually not kept as an boutique item - and it has been gigged on quite a bit, that's for sure.
What's concerning me is the fact that the bass - besides it's looks - smells very "new", especially holding my nose close to the ff-holes (don't picture that!

), there's a pretty noticeable smell, kind of like adhesive or paint that I've only experienced from newish production basses I came across once in a while.

Don't get me wrong, it's a nice instrument, set up very well, sounds great and everything, it's just that smell and the slightly weird paint job that makes me wonder if it's actually quite as seasoned as it's supposedly is, and I am not perfectly sure if I could really tell from the way it sounds. Kind of too even and just a tiny bit metallic on the open strings which are old Spiros, but not bad after all.

What do you think, have you ever experienced that a bass still smells like factory that is at least 70 years old and a finish that's been on the bass for more than 10 years? Pretty recently the end pin has been replaced, could that cause the scent?

PS: The person who is selling it seems perfectly trustworthy, nothing shady about it whatsoever, it's just that smell and the not-so-very-old feel of the bass....

bassics1975 · #2 08-23-2010, 08:43 PM

Without a couple of pics it would be difficult to determine the approximate age of your instrument.

There is a lot fakery going on with newer basses made to look like they had come out of a master maker's shop some two hundred years ago. The fact that there are no cracks to be seen would be a red flag for an older instrument. every bass I have ever owned, old or new has been in the shop at least once to address cracking in the winter months. If expertly done, smaller cracks could be closed up without any visible trace. If you could, get a small flexible light and a compact mirror and have a look inside for cleats under the top. As far as the odor is concerned, the older instruments that I have had had a musty odor. You may be smelling the hide glue from a recent repair. Of course, the local luthier could probably tell with a brief inspection.

Tightanic · #3 08-23-2010, 08:46 PM

I didn't have a camera with me so I don't have any pictures handy (unfortunately), but you're right, it might have to do with (a) recent repair(s). It's not like there is NO cracks whatsoever, just one on the top, that seemed to be pretty much it.

bassics1975 · #4 08-23-2010, 09:19 PM

If the instrument was refinished, then I would assume it is probably a vintage instrument. Unfortunately, there are folks out there (with good intentions mind you) that think they are 'restoring' an instrument by taking the sander to it and revarnishing it with something more visually appealing. This does devalue the instrument considerably so I couldn't see why someone faking instruments would do this knowing what it does to the value. It sounds like you haved a true vintage bass albeit with a spiffy new finish.

thobbinghotrod · #5 08-24-2010, 11:13 AM

I only play electric so take this with a grain of salt. You said it had a rich sound and played well, so that leaves the price. Are you worried they are asking too much because of it's questionable vintage heritage? Just from deduction I think they are asking for a price on the high side of your budget, make them an offer and explain your concerns. An opinion from another luthier might make all the difference.

robobass · #6 08-24-2010, 02:31 PM

The smell is almost certainly coming from the recent varnish job, which must have been done with something totally inappropriate for a stringed instrument. I'd keep well away, for health reasons if nothing else

Tightanic · #7 08-26-2010, 08:14 AM

Thanks everybody for your input so far. I have the same feeling, it's a great deal, but you don't really wanna buy a "weird" bass even if it plays and sounds great and comes at a good price - all of which is true for this particular instrument. :-/

Big B. · #8 08-26-2010, 09:52 AM

Thats a good call. If you were to buy this bass and then want to get rid of it you may have an issue with resale value. If there are other comparable instruments available then I would look around for something more "standard". On the other hand if you feel this bass is more affordable than comparable basses or if you are really drawn to the sound and feel of the bass then maybe you should consider it. Otherwise I would stay away.

forester · #9 08-26-2010, 08:50 PM

i wouldn't let a bad finish stand in the way of a good deal.
could be a great instrument

robobass · #10 08-27-2010, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forester

i wouldn't let a bad finish stand in the way of a good deal.
could be a great instrument

The problem is that if the finish still stinks of organic vapors after ten years and seems "sticky" then it's pretty much been ruined. The finish will probably at some point have to be removed, and the solvents needed to do it would soften all the hide glue in the bass, not to mention the nervous system of whoever does the job. Nah, I'd walk away. Run, actually!