Comparision of Wilfer and Semmlinger

[Mrs.Mac]

HELP . Three years this has been going on. I hear my husband crying I want a good carved upright bass. Problem (#1) we have to travel to even look or hear an upright . Problem (#2) We don't know where to go to look or hear an upright. So we find a catalog that has Lothar Semmlinger and Emanuel Wilfer basses. Can anyone honestly give me a complete comparison or any kind of insight on either of these two instruments. I really don't like the thoughts of him ordering from a catalog, but it may be our only source.

[philip sirois]

i think you have to tell people more:
where you are
what you're using the bass for
what your budget is

[Basschair]

Originally Posted by philip sirois

i think you have to tell people more:
where you are
what you're using the bass for
what your budget is

+1


I can attest to the quality of Wilfer, as I've played a handful, and had one made to determined specs. When my bass was done, my wife and I rented a van and drove the 1,000 miles round trip to pick it up. Of course, that may not be what you want to hear .

As far as ordering from a catalog, I'd be hesitant too, without at least trying one. Of course, it's definitely worth traveling to try a bass you may end up plunking down $6k to $10k on. Depending on where you are, there are definitely bargain ways to fly out to certain destinations. You could always send him off to try a few and make the decision when he comes back. Either way, the bass would most likely have to be shipped and re-setup after arriving.

[Mrs.Mac]

We're in Alabama (central) Looking to spend around $9000 for one with a deep bass growl on all 4 strings. Semi profesional

[Basschair]

Any chance there's a major airport near you, that Southwest flies out of? Also, what bass retailers have you looked into? I know that Lemur ( www.lemurmusic.com ) normally carries Wilfer basses, and that Alex has a couple right now at www.acousticbassshop.com . Lemur is in San Juan Capistrano, Ca., and is easy to get to from John Wayne Airport (or LAX), and the Acoustic Bass Shop is in South San Francisco. Those are the ones on this coast, and there've got to be many others.

Actually, if you could give and idea of what shops you've looked at, folks here could probably suggest others that may well be close enough to drive to for you.

As far as "growl" goes, my Wilfer was smooth as can be for the first couple years. Now, it is very growly depending on the strings I use (and after a new bridge).

[accutone]

You might also check out:
http://www.stringemporium.com/

Call and speak to Steve. He carries new and nice antique basses and will ship one to you to try. He is a player and knowledgable and will be a good source of info for you.

[greene]

Since Emanual Wilfer has died his sons are now making the basses which are most of what you'll find being sold today ... if you find the Emanual Wilfer basses that he made, they are usually wonderful. The son's basses are good but they aren't (in my opinion and many other more educated opinions) up to their father's work yet.

Lothar Semmlinger is known for his cellos which are also wonderful instruments but not really known for making basses at all. In that neighborhood, Wilfer made basses for many others like Hofner, Juzek, Roth - all had basses made by Wilfer at some point or other. I have 1/2 size Wilfer basses with Hofner labels ...

If I were you, I'd be looking for an older Emanual Wilfer bass. And when you want a great cello, look into the Semmlinger.

As a disclaimer I sell both Semmlinger instruments and E Wilfer however I believe Bobby Juzek up in Vermont at Metropolitan Music has some Emanual Wilfer basses as well.
Good luck.

[jfv]

Ken is right. I have a bass made in Budapest by a small
luthier, it doesnt have some "brand" name, but I've never
heard a bass that costs under 10K that I like better and it
only cost me 6.

Shopping names means you are shopping for the 'concept of
a bass' not a REAL instrument. Name is helpful, but you
are missing out if you dont go and hold, hear, and play

Use a bit of money, go to some dealers with lots of instruments
to hear, and then forget about the label, just start playing and
listening to others play them also.

Good luck,

[Ike Harris]

OK, you have a no. of options in driving distance. (1) Go to Atlanta; there's Sach's Violins, Emile Baran(Wilfer dealer), and Tom Thorsen, maybe more. (2) Drive to Cincinnati[8 hrs.], the Bass Cellar has a good no. of basses under 10k. All can be found on Gollihur's luthier page:
http://www.gollihur.com/kkbass/luthiers.html

There are a few basses here FS in Nashville @ Jim Ferguson's or Dustin Williams shop, occasionally Gruhn Guitars. Also check in online with Craig's list, Netinstruments, bassgear, Gollihur's classified page, & this forum.

Ike

[Ike Harris]

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

I wonder who else has Basses in that range you failed to mention now that your throwing out a few names, huh?

That's about it as far as I know in this area. Haven't had time or money for any serious shopping lately. Mostly plywoods floating around this area.

iah

[Heifetzbass]

Ike,

I think Ken was trying to get his name dropped in that mention... correct me if I'm wrong Ken...

I will second the drive to Atlanta. One of my students just came home with a Kolstein Fendt Model that was Mark Bernats' bass from Ronald Sachs and another colleague in the area has a large Pollman purchased from Sachs. Both got good deals in your price range. Both are good sounding basses.

I would also recommend Huthmakers Stringed Instruments in Duluth, Georgia. Just north of Atl. I purchased my instrument there.

I would not buy an instrument without playing it first. This is an investment, not a purchase- the way I see it. Whatever you buy, you should make sure you have full trade in at the dealer. It would be hard to resell an instrument where you live. This instrument will be with you for a while, I am guessing. Make it the one you want- don't settle.

FWIW
BG

[Basschair]

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

I wonder who else has Basses in that range you failed to mention now that your throwing out a few names, huh?

Originally Posted by Ike Harris

That's about it as far as I know in this area. Haven't had time or money for any serious shopping lately. Mostly plywoods floating around this area.

iah

I hear that this Ken Smith guy has some great basses in stock, and knows quite a bit about each and every one of them.

[Ike Harris]

Wasn't trying to exclude anyone in particular, just concentrating on driveable Southern destinations. Would like to visit that Batchhelder myself, KS.

iah(who is busy playing Jingle Bells via bus tour, getting fake snow bubbles on the Standard)

[GriffithLea]

Originally Posted by Mrs.Mac

We're in Alabama (central) Looking to spend around $9000 for one with a deep bass growl on all 4 strings. Semi profesional

Sounds like you're in the Cullman area. I've been there a couple of times on business (non-musical).

Anyway, I'd hate to see someone buy a bass sight-unseen. Here's an idea: get a cheap plane fare to Houston out of Birmingham or Huntsville (I can't remember which is one better for nonstop) and fly into Hobby Airport. Then you can take the 610 loop around to Bellaire and look in on Gold Violin, and then over to the Rice Village and take a look at the Amati shop.

But before you go anywhere, do LOTS of research. Google and Talkbass can be a big help here. Spend some time and you'll be amazed at just how many options are out there. Your problem will be too many choices.

Then, be prepared to make 1-3 trips to audition some instruments. You're spending $9,000 - allocate a few hundred to make sure you get the right instrument.

Good luck!