German double bass

[MillerOnTheBass]

I recently purchased a double bass that I was told was about 120 years old. My teacher and I agreed that could well be true and that it sounds fantastic; big and fat like an old bass. It was rebuilt in 1992 by Kolstien, but the original maker was said to be unkown.

I just found a sticker inside next to Kolstien's sticker that is faded and difficult to read. The date looks like 1862 and the only other thing I can make out for sure is the name Biegen (at least I think) it looks like G.O. Biegen Co. on the first line. It's obviously a German name, but a google search provided no connection to basses. Is this name familiar to anyone? any suggestions on how to find out more?

[drurb]

Originally Posted by MillerOnTheBass

I recently purchased a double bass that I was told was about 120 years old. My teacher and I agreed that could well be true and that it sounds fantastic; big and fat like an old bass. It was rebuilt in 1992 by Kolstien, but the original maker was said to be unkown.

I just found a sticker inside next to Kolstien's sticker that is faded and difficult to read. The date looks like 1862 and the only other thing I can make out for sure is the name Biegen (at least I think) it looks like G.O. Biegen Co. on the first line. It's obviously a German name, but a google search provided no connection to basses. Is this name familiar to anyone? any suggestions on how to find out more?

I suspect that Kolstein saw that label as well. Why not give 'em a call?

[bassist14]

Originally Posted by MillerOnTheBass

....make out for sure is the name Biegen (at least I think) it looks like G.O. Biegen Co. ....

i doubt if its a german label with a "Co."