Any thoughts on a Gibson bass?

NormM · #1 11-03-2009, 06:16 PM

I just got an old bass, in rough shape, made by Gibson in Kalamazoo, MI, according to the label. Model B-125-841. Does anyone have any knowledge of these basses? Any idea of how to date?

Ike Harris · #2 11-03-2009, 06:28 PM

I've run across a few of these. Here are a couple of threads on the subject:

Gibson 3/4 upright...HELP ID

Vintage Gibson double bass

NormM · #3 11-03-2009, 07:11 PM

Thanks - hard to tell how old this one might be. I may try to have someone look at it, and I'll see if I can get some pics up.

MollyKay · #4 11-03-2009, 08:17 PM

This is one of the few I have ever seen...

http://www.bluegrassbassplace.com/ph...pic.php?t=1330

http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...t=b4435366.pbw

This bass sold a few months ago on ebay for $3800

NormM · #5 11-03-2009, 09:11 PM

That's a good reference. Thanks, MollyKay.

One thing that I wonder if is common at all with these is that it has position indicators (dots) on the edge of the fingerboard. It's in fairly rough shape, and I think the top was refinished some time ago and is missing the pinstripes. It needs strings badly, so it's hard to get a read on the sound. Hopefully soon I can clean it up a bit and get some strings on it and see what we have.