Bass ID - Need Help!

IdealWay · #1 01-25-2010, 12:36 PM

Hey bass wizards, This might not be possible, but if someone could help me ID this bass I'd greatly appreciate it. It popped up on the local craigslist and for the price I figure it might be worth looking into, but the owner doesn't know anything about it and I want to make sure it's not a Cremona or other POS. I know I'm not giving you guys much to work with, but I figured it'd be worth a shot. Thanks for your help!

http://asheville.craigslist.org/msg/1568639922.html

Bass · #2 01-25-2010, 12:55 PM

I'm no wizard. But that doesn't look like a cheap POS to me. Check it out and buy it if it is in good shape (ie no structural issues such as neck joint, seams, endblocks, ribs etc...).

I see a nice looking fingerboard (rosewood?), purfling, and a faded "fleur de lise" type emblem on the back.

On the downside it is Gamba shaped and comes with a heavy, ugly, lousy amp.

LouisF · #3 01-25-2010, 01:54 PM

There's a TB member "Heiftizbass" who is a luthier in your area. Maybe you should send him a PM and check the instrument out with him. It seems like it could be an interesting bass.

Louis

IdealWay · #4 01-25-2010, 02:33 PM

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to check it out, but I just tried a Shen SB80 at a local shop and my goodness was it nice! especially since it's $1300 brand new w/ a gigbag, strings and pro setup. If this one isn't setup already, I'll probably pass on it

Marcus Johnson · #5 01-25-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

On the downside it is Gamba shaped and comes with a heavy, ugly, lousy amp.

C'mon, BASS, that's a perfect amp. Two settings, "off" and 'loud". It's up to you which sounds better.

Bass · #6 01-26-2010, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

C'mon, BASS, that's a perfect amp. Two settings, "off" and 'loud". It's up to you which sounds better.

Ha! I find it funny that the amp is included. The seller's probably hoping to get someone to haul it away, it looks heavy.

Paul Warburton · #7 01-26-2010, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

On the downside it is Gamba shaped and comes with a heavy, ugly, lousy amp.

I'm one of your many fans around here Bass, so you know I ain't messing with you but, what you got against Gamba patterns?

mjt0229 · #8 01-26-2010, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

I'm one of your many fans around here Bass, so you know I ain't messing with you but, what you got against Gamba patterns?

Wasn't it something about how violin corners capture the turbulence?

Bass · #9 01-26-2010, 08:17 AM

mjt0229, your memory is very good:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...69#post5690469

Paul, I really do prefer the violin shape, to me the gamba is plain Jane.

Edit - that said gamba is OK too (I own one of each)

Heifetzbass · #10 01-26-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouisF

There's a TB member "Heiftizbass" who is a luthier in your area. Maybe you should send him a PM and check the instrument out with him. It seems like it could be an interesting bass.

Louis

Thanks Louis, but in the Asheville area I would take it to James Condino. He has got it going on up the mountain!

BG

LouisF · #11 01-26-2010, 10:59 AM

Of course, NORTH Carolina and SOUTH Carolina are two states, unlike here where NORTHERN California and SOUTHERN California are merely states of mind.

I've heard only great things about James and his mandolins and basses.

Louis

PS (Brian): The Swanson bass gets bigger and richer souding every time I play it.

Heifetzbass · #12 01-26-2010, 01:11 PM

I don't make it up the mountain as much as I used to. My schedule and the rehearsal schedule of the ASO don't match very well.

It is about an hour and twenty from door to door.

Glad the Swanson is opening up for you. I still have a ways to go with this one.

BG

Jason Sypher · #13 01-26-2010, 02:06 PM

Paul Warburton · #14 01-26-2010, 02:24 PM

Oh yeah, baby,
So Jason doesn't have to brag on his own "Fabulous Jane" allow me to do so. I love the look of that Yankee MoFo. I've only heard it on Jason's clips but in his hands it's a killer. Many TBers have played it and walked away shaking their heads at the great sound.
I love looking at basses, especially old ones. I'm cool with all the patterns for the "look". IMO, great sound can come from any pattern.
Are we OT yet again? Sorry.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #15 01-26-2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Are we OT yet again? Sorry.

Sigworthy?

Paul Warburton · #16 01-26-2010, 02:51 PM

Yeah, prolly. But I'd have to dump Chet or Miles to do that, unless you can pull some strings?( Cheap, but intentional pun).

Jason Sypher · #17 01-26-2010, 03:10 PM

nothing like a little unexpected porn....

I love the violin form as well but I've never gotten bored of the look of this bass.

Jake deVilliers · #18 01-26-2010, 08:11 PM

That's just plain beautiful!