Bobby Downs Bass

[Tunk]

I have recently purchased a bass made in Franklin NC by the late Bobby Downs. He also made mandolins. I am very interested to find out if there are other owners on this forum. The bass is poplar top and back, plywood sides and a maple and cherry neck with a cherry fingerboard. I am told Mr. Downs made 8 of these basses. This one was owned at one time by George Chestnut who did instrument repair in Nashville TN (was the Opry repairman?)
I have included photos of the front and back of the bass.

[Jason Sypher]

Interesting bass...more pics?

[nicechuckh]

Beautiful instrument

[E.P. Miller]

Sadly, George Chestnut is no longer with us. That would have been a great place to start...

[PRUNEFACE]

that is one interesting and cool bass. how would you describe its sound? clips?

[Ed Fuqua]

James Condino is another luthier who builds basses in addition to mandolins, he's over in Asheville and I would be very surprised if he didn't have some information about Mr. Downs and perhaps his basses...

[Tunk]

Yes, I will try Mr. Condino and see if he has any information.

[Tunk]

Thanks, it is a cool instrument. I am having it set up for me and will try to post some more photos and a few sound clips when I get comfortable with it. It has pretty even volume across the strings, clean and punchy, no real growl. It needs to be played pretty bad but the sound post and bridge fit are superb and I believe done by Mr. Chestnut. More as I can.

[guitarvibes01]

Bobby Downs a great luthier known by many musicians! His grandson and a great bassist Jacob Parish has an excellent bass built by the late great Bobby Downs! I believe there were around 14 or 15 built. Bobby did remarkable work and won't be forgotten..

[crlex]

I bought and still own what I believe is the 2nd one he made. I love it.