American Standard - you like 'em?

radsboy · #1 05-30-2003, 07:55 PM

Well after asking about whether a new Englehardt was worth $1.2k, I learned that the American Standards are well though of by some players -

I have s/n 2101, does anyone know when that was made and anything else about it?

Mine needs work but I am getting the idea that I should have the work done and forget about buying a new one. Comments?

thanks,

David

Don Higdon · #2 05-30-2003, 09:11 PM

HANG ON TO THAT BASS!!!!!!!
I'm trying to track down the site which has all the serial numbers for American Standard and King. Your bass is easily 60+ years old. American Standard and King command a premium in NYC because of the sound. My AmStand turns heads. When they hear it, nobody believes it's plywood. I can't believe any production bass you'll buy today will beat what you have

arnoldschnitzer · #3 05-31-2003, 07:17 AM

The American Standard is the finest production plywood bass ever produced. The sound is deep and punchy, and it cuts through a lot of noisy playing situations. The King was made in the same factory and is also a fine bass. Unfortunately, the string length as built is an uncomfortable 43", and the neck joint is troublesome. But these areas are worth addressing if you want a great plywood. The American Standard bass was the inspiration for the New Standard Cleveland model, which has similar tonal characteristics, but improves on all the weak areas. Sorry for the blatant self-promotion, but the new site is up at WWW.NEWSTANDARDBASS.COM

Like Donosaurus says, keep that sucker and get it in shape! BTW, I sold Don his, #87, and that bass absolutely kicks ARSE!!! It's as loud and deep (Pizz) as any bass, carved or otherwise, you'll ever hear!

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #4 05-31-2003, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arnoldschnitzer
The American Standard bass was the inspiration for the New Standard Cleveland model, which has similar tonal characteristics, but improves on all the weak areas. Sorry for the blatant self-promotion, but the new site is up at WWW.NEWSTANDARDBASS.COM

I start to drool every time I take a look at the "La Scala" model. I think I'm in love. If a fella wanted to actually set hands on one of these to see what it sounded like, what would a fella have to do?

mchildree · #5 05-31-2003, 09:10 AM

Ditto for me on the New Standard....wish I didn't live so far out in the boonies. Love to try one. Love to buy one.

Marcus Johnson · #6 05-31-2003, 11:57 AM

Oh lord...gotta stop clicking on that AES link.

On the other hand, my wife DID say that I needed a tax writeoff this year...

Don Higdon · #7 05-31-2003, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mchildree
Ditto for me on the New Standard....wish I didn't live so far out in the boonies.

Y'all come, hea'?
Arnold lives on a small farm where the lovely Barbara boards and trains horses. Plenty of produce stands in the area. And you can stop in a couple of local vineyards for wine.

arnoldschnitzer · #8 05-31-2003, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald

I start to drool every time I take a look at the "La Scala" model. I think I'm in love. If a fella wanted to actually set hands on one of these to see what it sounded like, what would a fella have to do?

Just come to our booth at the ISB in Richmond, VA. We'll be there with four models from 6/2-6/7. Or come visit me--I have plenty of room for your tent.

radsboy · #9 06-01-2003, 11:44 AM

Thanks to you all for your replies (and encouragement to keep the bass!)

One site I found showed serial numbers 1-25,000 as being between 1925 and 1930, does that agree with any information any of you have? (Mine is # 2101).

I've talked to 2 luthiers, and will get a plan going soon. Problem is, my busiest playing season is under way - and I don't want to go to anyone with a "rush job" in mind - so this may have to be put off until fall. Mind you, it is playable and sounds pretty good, but it is very high action; lowering my (adjustable) bridge just makes the stings buzz on the lower end of the fingerboard overhang - so I have to put up with sore fingers for a while longer I guess. Character building, no?

thanks again all,

David

Don Higdon · #10 06-01-2003, 12:04 PM

Looks like you found the site that I couldn't find. What's the address?
Where in Maine are you? 25+ years going to Ocean Point (East Boothbay).

radsboy · #11 06-01-2003, 07:15 PM

Don:

Here's the link:

http://www.kaybass.com/HNWhite&SN.htm

I'm in Belmont, near the coast, inland from Belfast and Camden.

I've been to Boothaby many times playing gigs over the years.

Maybe meet up with ya some time when you're here?

Best,

David

Mike Goodbar · #12 06-03-2003, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald
I start to drool every time I take a look at the "La Scala" model.

I took a look at the New Standard site, too.

Now, I have to have my drool chin-buckets emptied hourly into the centrally located drool reservoir, which feeds the drool irrigation lines to the surrounding farms.

Thanks a lot, Arnold. Would you take a '95 Taurus in trade for one of the La Scalas?

Rick Blanc · #13 06-03-2003, 12:13 PM

Yeah that La Scala model is sweet. Too bad it's about 3x what I can afford. Hey Arnold, need any help cleaning out the stables?

arnoldschnitzer · #14 06-08-2003, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike Goodbar

I took a look at the New Standard site, too.

Now, I have to have my drool chin-buckets emptied hourly into the centrally located drool reservoir, which feeds the drool irrigation lines to the surrounding farms.

Thanks a lot, Arnold. Would you take a '95 Taurus in trade for one of the La Scalas?

To take that Taurus off your hands, just figure on adding about $500 to the bass' price so I can get it towed away. But thanks for asking...

Michael Nickerson · #15 06-09-2003, 08:41 PM

Hi David,

GLAD to hear you're going to keep that American Standard. I'm in Belfast and I've heard you play that bass. I've told you before the sound is incredible. Your playing and that bass do indeed "kick arse"! I've recently hooked up with Mark Carlsen, a really good bassist / luthier in Mass. Though he's three hours away, he'd be able to get your bass "singing". Call me.

Mike

martinc · #16 06-20-2003, 09:08 PM

Radsboy wrote:

"One site I found showed serial numbers 1-25,000 as being between 1925 and 1930, does that agree with any information any of you have? (Mine is # 2101). "

Radsboy: Forget that site. Its for all of the other instruments King made...brass instruments etc
Production of the King Mortone started production around 1936. I believe the American-Standard line started around the same time. My King is #441 and is from around 1938-39.

Believe everything that has been written in response to your question. The King and American Standards are great sounding basses. Unfortunately there is not much information around about them.

Martin Chapman.

John Sprague · #17 06-23-2003, 08:47 AM

Arnold the new site looks very good! Clean and efficient, and lots of detail in the content where it counts. Were the photos of the La Scala originally digital? If so, I'd like to pick your brain about your method, I don't get the figure to show like you did.

Neuro · #18 09-22-2008, 04:24 PM

Greetings All... I was just handed down an American Standard Bass that my Grandfather used to play back when he was in high school.

From most of the information I can find on American Standard Uprights the oldest known to exist is serial #40. The one that I just received is serial #16..

Below you will find links to a few pictures of it, I am curious if anyone can give me an idea of when it was made and any other details / information about this bass.

I just got a new set of strings on her and she plays like a champ! My first upright, and I have only been playing electric for a couple years .. So I have A LOT to learn!!

Thanks for your time!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/...1f391b9e_o.jpg -- Bass Image

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/...3a2677ec_o.jpg -- Headstock image

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/...c728055e_o.jpg -- Image of Serial Number

-- Neuro

Jake deVilliers · #19 09-22-2008, 04:40 PM

Cool bass! There is a lot of information on AS Basses here, just use the Search function. Here are a couple of links that you might like:

http://www.hnwhite.com/Cleveland%20i...s.htm#American

http://www.hnwhite.com/string%20page.htm

shadygrove · #20 09-22-2008, 06:21 PM

What a beauty! #16...wow!

Looks like it has been well cared for. Arnold once said "The American Standard is the finest production plywood bass ever produced" maybe not anymore, since Arnold started building them, but what an awesome classic instrument! Enjoy!