I have no direct experience with these basses. As no one has come forward for you, I'll point out what's readily available on the web. There is this description of Glaesel:
In 1977 the Glaesel String Instrument Service (located in Cleveland, Ohio) was sold to The Selmer Company. Glaesel instruments are still meticulously shop adjusted in Cleveland. Tim Masterson continues Glaesel’s tradition and quality, having studied under Kurt. Capitalizing on Selmer’s sales and marketing strengths, Glaesel has become an industry leader.
The instruments are set up in Cleveland but where are they made? Specifically, where is the DB30 made? Take a look
here. Some instruments in the catalog are listed as "European crafted" or as being "Crafted in Germany." Not a word about origin is mentioned for the DB30. Let me guess. China. Now, that does not indicate their level of quality at all.
I'm not sure how one can conclude that the DB30 is a hybrid, given this description:
Well seasoned, arched spruce top with flat maple back and sides. Most of us have seen such descriptions refer to anything from a laminate to a fully-carved (but this is a flat-back). I found this description
here:
European seasoned spruce top, solid flat maple back & sides.
That sounds like there's no laminate on it. I could find no indication on-line regarding price despite some intense searching. In any case, these seem to be "mass produced" instruments.
What got you interested in these? After all,
Bob Beerman is right in Greensboro. Have you checked out his shop? His site indicates that he has basses of fine repute running from $1600 to $14,000. Being able to buy locally from a real bass shop is a luxury of which to take advantage! Am I missing something?
