American Standard Question

[joeyd]

Looking at a '51 American Standard to buy but came across this article and kinda want to get some feedback possibly from other Standard owners regarding neck problems. Any info would be appreciated....thanks.

Double Bass Repair & Restoration - American Standard Double Bass

[TroyK]

I'd ask in "Setup and Repair", neck repairs are pretty common in basses, especially this type vintage/quality. I'm not a luthier, but I'll say it's "no big deal", because I'm not the one doing it. I have heard people say "it's fine as long as it's done right."

They'll jump on this question if you ask it there.

AmStds are thought to be good basses for their type (50's-ish plywood). John Lilly used to have a nice one and I always enjoyed hearing or playing it. The neck on the one you're buying is either:

1) In need of repair and the price should reflect that.
2) Never been repaired and not in need, which would suggest to me that it's probably not about to go, unless you handle it poorly
3) Has a good repair, in which case, I wouldn't worry about it

or last, but not least important

4) Has a bad repair, which is probably the worst option.

It's always a good idea to have a bass looked at by a luthier unless you are really experienced and if you can't tell which of these categories yours falls into, this might be just such an occasion.

[Tejano Bass]

Suggestion: If anyone on TB can help . . .

Do a Search for them both first & then send a PM with any lingering concerns you may still have to the following two members:

superman . . . & . . . MollyKay

[Steve Swan]

See if you can take the bass to an experienced local luthier before you commit to buy. Of the four American Standards that I've had, three required serious neck joint work and all four needed new fingerboards. That said, this model is my absolute favorite vintage american made plywood doublebass. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

[boylebass]

Every time I see one of those old beasts for sale, I remind myself that it has a nearly 44" string length (mensure).

[MollyKay]

In my opinion, the American Standard bass is no different then any of the American made plywood basses…they all need proper care and feeding.

The AS neck design is a bit different compared to that of a Kay or Epiphone but not much difference to repair if the neck fails or gets broken. Of the five AS’s I own the 1937 has a different neck design then the others, but this one has the bell shoulders and was solidly repaired in the 1960’s and still holding strong.

We have re-set the neck on a 1950 AS and gave it a new ebony fingerboard. Once the repairs were made it was a good solid bass.





I have a 1956 that is pristine and the neck has never been re-set nor repaired.



And then another 1956 AS that has been poorly repaired and will require some real effort to make the neck “whole” again…but the bass is a looker with a dark vintage patina.






When considering vintage plywood the neck joint is the most common “aliment” and in most cases is fixable. If you see signs of bolts, screws and epoxy you may want to reconsider your purchase as somewhere down the road it will be expensive to un-do those repairs and pay to have them re-done properly…which is the case in the Upton repair. This type of neck replacement with a scroll graft may cost more then the total value of the bass…but the bass maybe well worth it if it has the “it” factor for you. Buy wisely; quality is not cheap or easy.

[punkozuna]

Originally Posted by MollyKay

This type of neck replacement with a scroll graft may cost more then the total value of the bass…but the bass maybe well worth it if it has the “it” factor for you. Buy wisely; quality is not cheap or easy.

If you bring a vintage bass back from the dead, you get good karma points for the next time around!

[jlilley]

I would mirror the advice you've been given... get the bass looked at by a good luthier. Troy already commented about my old bass and I'd add that it was a great bass and the amount of mileage that I got out of it was pretty amazing considering what I paid for it. The one thing I would add is to keep the sting length and the broad shoulders in mind and make sure that they fit your playing style.

Cheers,
John