double bass ID

igor kondur · #1 01-23-2011, 01:20 PM

Some ideas?no label inside
The owner ask 2400k
Thanks)

igor kondur · #2 01-23-2011, 01:21 PM

more pic.

igor kondur · #3 01-23-2011, 01:22 PM

igor kondur · #4 01-23-2011, 01:25 PM

add pic.

igor kondur · #5 01-23-2011, 01:26 PM

the last

E.P. Miller · #6 01-23-2011, 03:46 PM

Backwards bridge, visible cracks, tailpiece on crooked and looking ill-maintained in general. Looks like $2400 is just the beginning with this one.

This bass looks a lot like an older Romanian bass a local player owns but bass ID isn't something I have a lot of experience in. Can you have it examined by a luthier?

igor kondur · #7 01-23-2011, 10:13 PM

This bass comes after WW2 to Russia,from Germany or another part of Europe,thats all information
Yes,too many cracks(ab 2000k for repair)

Jason Sypher · #8 01-24-2011, 07:49 AM

I think the bass looks German, but a nice one. Try this at Ken Smiths forum...

I think it's worth the money but it's going to need 6-10k for a complete restoration. Maybe you can get a deal but it's no 2000 repair. I think you would have a nice instrument if you were willing to put in the money and time....

Eric Hochberg · #9 01-24-2011, 09:12 AM

I see cracks but can't tell if they're open or not. Are they? Is there an unrepaired bass bar or sound post crack? The only thing I know for sure, it needs a bridge. This could be a good deal if it is pretty solid. If not, as Jason say's, be prepared to spend some money... a top off alone in US can run $1000. How much in Moscow?

It does have French style gears and no outer linings... French characteristics, but could have been made anywhere. Ask Ken Smith. I like the flamed wood of the neck, says nice quality bass to me (if it sounds good!).

Oh, and I watched the video on your site, good band!

forester · #10 01-24-2011, 11:07 AM

now that's a neck/heel...
repair,clean,play.

igor kondur · #11 01-24-2011, 10:14 PM

a top off alone in Moscow can run $500
and total amount for repair-2000k(as my luther says to me)

igor kondur · #12 01-24-2011, 10:16 PM

Thanks,Eric)

igor kondur · #13 01-24-2011, 10:21 PM

more cracks

igor kondur · #14 01-24-2011, 10:22 PM

PaulCannon · #15 01-25-2011, 05:18 AM

If the repairs are really $2000 and the bass is not going to turn into a money pit, and if the bass has the sound you're looking for, it might be a good deal. I would try and get the seller to meet you halfway with the repair costs and bring the price down to $1400. Because the bass is of unknown origin and is in such disrepair and could thus be a serious liability for any buyer, I think this is a fair deal.

Give the bass a very thorough evaluation. You say one luthier has given an estimate. Perhaps get a second opinion, if you can, and see if the estimate is similar.

Some more things to look at, which I can't see from the pictures: Is the fingerboard in good shape? Is it very thin, warped, cracked, or just poor quality? Is the neck set properly? From the pictures, it looks like the fingerboard might have a relatively low projection. Is the varnish healthy, aside from obvious scratches which can be touched up? Is it cracking or flaking off? Is the bass bar ok? If the fingerboard or bass bar need to be replaced or the bass revarnished, that could add a substantial amount of money to the repairs.

Clearly the bridge needs to go. I suspect the end pin and tail piece will also need to be replaced. Certainly it will need new strings.

Don't be afraid to walk away. This is definitely a high-risk purchase. While it could be a great bass and a great deal, you won't know for sure until after you have spent several thousand dollars.

I hope you make a decision you're happy about. Good luck.

E.P. Miller · #16 01-25-2011, 08:45 AM

That bass looks like a good candidate for a complete restoration if your objective is to restore it to its original glory. Was the luthier actually looking at the bass when he estimated the repair costs? $2k seems very cheap for the work this bass needs and for Moscow in general.

Jason Sypher · #17 01-25-2011, 09:01 AM

Yeah, based on what I see this is a complete ground up restoration. In the states you'd be looking at 10k. It's basically a rebuild. Get as many opinions as you can for that repair. Make sure you are dealing with double bass luthiers only, not violin shops. It has true potential but you are the one taking all the risk...

igor kondur · #18 01-28-2011, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

Yeah, based on what I see this is a complete ground up restoration. In the states you'd be looking at 10k. It's basically a rebuild. Get as many opinions as you can for that repair. Make sure you are dealing with double bass luthiers only, not violin shops. It has true potential but you are the one taking all the risk...

Yes,in Moscow it should be 2k,really( my luthier is double bass player,luthier and friend)So if you need some cheap,but good restoration-welcome to Moscow!)))