Anyone familiar with Kreisler instruments

Frank Tuesday · #1 07-09-2010, 07:39 PM

I'm looking for a temporary bass while my '39 Kay is repaired. I found one that is a couple hours away. The seller says it is a Kreisler (sp?) and is a hybrid. I googled and didn't find anything of note. I found a couple Kreisler branded violins, ranging in price from $45 on eBay to $975 from a dealer.

Anyone have any input before I drive 7 hours round trip?

swingingoodtime · #2 07-11-2010, 09:25 PM

Not sure if it's definitely the same brand/maker as we're based in Australia, but check out Boatbassguy's entry in this thread:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f1/2009-chinese-bass-odyssey-544824-post9393811/

Other than his feedback, I'm not sure how helpful the Sydney String Centre will be to an oblique enquiry, but it's possible they may be able to help you too. (where he bought his from):

http://www.violins.com.au/bass_basses_beginner.php

Good luck!

OmnitzGarima · #3 07-11-2010, 09:59 PM

Seems to me that I saw an ad on Craig's list for one of these, and I was able to find a little info but not much. I can't find anything now, so it's possible that I'm not remembering the name correctly. The one I looked into was Chinese made, around $1000 new. I never did see it in person, I wasn't that interested.

stevewyse · #4 11-24-2011, 08:38 AM

I bought a Kreisler Bass off of ebay in 2009 from Houston Musical Instruments 832-212-4530. Thomas Runnels, Channelview TX 77530. I asked him where it was made and he told me China. I purchased the 3/4 size bass for about $540.00 delivered. It has a very nice sound, but the fingerboard was a mess. I had buzzing all over the place from the uneveness of the fingerboard. Also, the fingerboard and the bridge was not shaped properly. Once I took it to a Luthier and had it dressed out, it played great. I spent about $400 getting it playable. The tuning keys are a little cheap. It has a carved spruce top with a plywood back. The fretboard is maple. It's a good sturdy design that takes a fair amount of abuse. I think it's a good beginner, or second bass if you can get it cheap enough. But if you buy one, be prepared to have some work done to it to get it playable.