Aluminium Body Bass

[SuperDawg]

New here - just looking for some information. I recently became the owner of a G. A. Pfretzschner aluminium body double bass. It was given to me because the neck was broken. I repaired it myself, and It's held a tune fine after the repair, I'm lucky the fingerboard didn't break. From what i've seen on the internet these are few and far apart. I was wondering if anybody here has any experience with one of these, much less ever heard of them (I know I haven't) or the value of one of them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Matthew Tucker]

There was a thread about them here, so do a search. I think they were navy-issue, or something like that.

What does it sound like? And what's the neck/fingerboard made of?

Here's a pic i have. The growth rings are so tight they are hard to see ...

[Eric Rene Roy]

SuperDawg! I think you eMailed me too...I'll respond to that later, but in the meantime...everything I have been able to learn about Aluminum basses I put in this post here. (mods, that bass is not for sale, so I hope the link is OK).

[M Ramsey]

This is probably what I need for my daughter. That way, about all I'd have to worry about is her breaking the neck out of it. Do they make upright basses out of concrete?

[Eric Rene Roy]

Originally Posted by M Ramsey

Do they make upright basses out of concrete?

Not that I have heard of...but I do know of an Alabaster violin!

[Eric Rene Roy]

Originally Posted by M Ramsey

This is probably what I need for my daughter. That way, about all I'd have to worry about is her breaking the neck out of it.

Well then you should search for an Alcoa. They have alum necks too!!!

[SuperDawg]

What is the neck and fingerboard made of? I have no clue - I'm a machinist by trade to I'm at the other end of the spectrum as far as material goes. I think it sounds great. Definately not a woody sound, but not like a resonator guitar or anything. Iit's fairly loud by my standards are for an acoustic insturment. I really enjoy playing it, but it needs to be set up by somebody that knows what they're doing. Glad to have it.

[war_n_peace]

http://web.archive.org/web/200709060...d87593cd8de794

Here's a link with lot's of info on that particular bass

[farmerdude]

I have owned one for several years now and starting this year...I actually gig with it in my honky tonk band. Have even taken it out with the big band. The thing looks so cool I decided to give it a real try... The trick was gut strings (steels will zing like crazy) and a little bit of sheet foam inside the body. You have to tame that beast down. Sounds pretty darn good accoustically like this and is still pretty loud. On a bb gig, the power went out in mid tune and I didnt notice for several bars. Plugged in, I use a RevSoloII wrapped in foam. I'm very happy with the tone I get. Its a really fun bass to play. The neck is (on mine anyway) similiar to what you would find on a fine bass.

Now the comments you get....when did you paint your bass? Did you make that yourself? How many beers did you have to drink to make that?

I have a few hot rod guys that want to paint the thing or add stuff to it but I like it just as it is....

There is currently one for sale here in KC if anyone is interested.