CL DB buy: No big deal, deal, or steal?

S. Katz · #1 03-19-2010, 06:02 PM

I recently purchased my first DB to see if I could go from slab to fab. I was looking for a good starter, comparable to a decently set-up Chinese ply.

I would up spending $1200 for what I was told was a 15-year old 3/4 Romanian hybrid (with Mooradian bag and two bows). Ebony fingerboard and tail. The instrument is in great condition--no cracks or separations, fewer dings than one would expect for its age. Setup perfect for pizz. All it needed was a new set of strings.

The maker's mark reads: "Musikinstrumentenfabrik, Reghin, ROMANIA. Contrabass 3/4" There is no serial number anywhere.

Further research reveals that it is fully-carved, not a hybrid, and is at least 25 years old. (I know the latter is true because the bridge bears the mark of local luthier that primarily makes violins, and he informed me that he stopped working on basses about 25 years ago.)

I'm sure I didn't get ripped off. The question is: did I accidentally stumble into one of those amazing CL buys that you always read about happening to somebody else?

Pics:

Ed Fuqua · #2 03-19-2010, 06:23 PM

No, you did OK.

drurb · #3 03-19-2010, 06:57 PM

From what I can see in the pix and from your description, I agree with Ed. I'm curious as to how you confirmed that it's "fully-carved." I know how I would determine that, but I'm curious how you did.

S. Katz · #4 03-19-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

From what I can see in the pix and from your description, I agree with Ed. I'm curious as to how you confirmed that it's "fully-carved." I know how I would determine that, but I'm curious how you did.

I had a reputable luthier look at it. I don't know nearly enough to tell by myself.

fdeck · #5 03-19-2010, 07:52 PM

Congrats, and welcome to the dark side!

S. Katz · #6 03-19-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

Congrats, and welcome to the dark side!

Thanks! I become instantly cool, now, right?

IdealWay · #7 03-19-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S. Katz

Thanks! I become instantly cool, now, right?

Only in photos

Fully carved or not I'd say you got a smokin deal! I paid more for my Shen ply, which I really enjoy. Congrats on the find, welcome, and have fun

Herbie 80's · #8 03-19-2010, 11:39 PM

Nice steal. Welcome to the dark side.

Paul Warburton · #9 03-20-2010, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S. Katz

Thanks! I become instantly cool, now, right?

50%. The other 50 is based on how long you last around here.

Congrats....

Eric Swanson · #10 03-20-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S. Katz

Thanks! I become instantly cool, now, right?

I wouldn't know, but it sounds as if it would be fun.

Seriously, though, many congratulations!

fdeck · #11 03-20-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S. Katz

Thanks! I become instantly cool, now, right?

To be fully cool, you have to start disparaging the electric bass.

Paul Warburton · #12 03-20-2010, 12:32 PM

To say the least.
Really, though, learn how, when and to whom to use the words "fretboard" and "headstock" in a very offensive manner.
Then apply for an office in "The Ancient Order of Rass Hattur."

PS: I uthed to be tha Thspeaker.

S. Katz · #13 03-20-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

To say the least.
Really, though, learn how, when and to whom to use the words "fretboard" and "headstock" in a very offensive manner.
Then apply for an office in "The Ancient Order of Rass Hattur."

Sorry guys, but I am fully committed to "swinging both ways." The DB is a blast--but so is cranking up the gain and running my signal through a Big Muff.

(Hmmm. I wonder how a DB would sound through a Big Muff?)

drurb · #14 03-20-2010, 12:47 PM

Hey, this site is rated PG!

CellarDweller · #15 03-20-2010, 05:25 PM

Curious about a comment above. What is the best way to determine if a bass is carved or not?

drurb · #16 03-20-2010, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CellarDweller

Curious about a comment above. What is the best way to determine if a bass is carved or not?

To the best of my knowledge:

"Fully-carved" is usually taken to be synonymous with there being only solid wood (e.g., spruce, maple, willow, etc.) used for the top back and ribs. That is, the absence of any plywood or laminate. Technically, a bass can be made of all solid wood and not be carved at all! This is the case for basses that are "pressed" and not carved at all. Also, the top and back of a bass might actually be carved spruce and maple, respectively, and the ribs could be ply. I believe that's the case, for example, with PW's Bohmann. That's a bass that would, indeed, be called "fully carved." I mention all of this to demonstrate the vagueness of the term.

To determine if a bass is actually carved, one would look for tell-tale signs of the graduation and shaping of the plates.

Now, if you mean to ask how one can determine if the top and back (and ribs) of a bass are not plywood, that's a bit easier. For the top and back, usually, one see if the grain of the wood continues up through to the edge. If plywood is used the grain usually will not continue-- but-- some makers will place a veneer over plys so that the grain of the veneer wraps around and hides the plys. Another way to tell is if the grain one sees on the interior matches the grain sees on the exterior. That's usually a sign that you're looking at a solid piece of wood. Even that method would not be foolproof if the maker matched the internal and external veneers of the plys. These exceptions aside, if the grain continues to the edge and the interior matches the exterior, then odds are you're looking at solid wood. I hope luthiers will chime in and add to and/or correct and/or confirm, what I've said.