Help Identifying Model

2perfect · #1 01-18-2008, 10:36 AM

Hello. I'm looking at an URB for my husband (he's been playing regular electric bass for 25 years and desperately wants to try an upright), and have an opportunity to buy a 12year old 3/4 Engelhardt for $500. It looks, from the photo, to be in good shape and the seller has promised that there are no problems with the neck, etc. Of course, I will check all that out before handing over any cash!

In any case, the seller is not the original owner of the bass and is not a player and he has no idea what the model is. Is there something I could tell him to look for so that we can identify the model?

Thank you in advance for any help!

Marcus Johnson · #2 01-18-2008, 12:18 PM

Engelhardts often have a tag inside that state the model number and other info. If you can snap some pics and post them, someone here may be able to identify it for you. If you have the chance to have a DB luthier or at least a pro bassist check it out, that's a good idea as well.

If you're planning on surprising your husband with a new DB, I'd say you're more than living up to your screen name.

2perfect · #3 01-19-2008, 06:59 AM

Thanks for the help. I had the guy check out the tag inside and it's a C-1. I can't find much current info about that model, so I'm not entirely sure that I should be making this decision on my own. However, it IS supposed to be a birthday surprise, so I'm going to have to work it out somehow. If this one isn't the right one, I'm sure another will come along. I have a little over a month to make the purchase, so I'm hopeful!

Does anyone have any idea of what a C-1 goes for at this point? I would be making a commitment sight unseen, but would be able to forego the transaction if the bass is not what he's advertising.

ctregan · #4 01-19-2008, 10:41 AM

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...SIZE_BASS.html

Here is a link for new Englehardts.
C-1 is $975 + shipping and handling.

drurb · #5 01-19-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2perfect

...I would be making a commitment sight unseen, but would be able to forego the transaction if the bass is not what he's advertising.

When would you be able to determine that? Is the seller local to you? Where are you located?

2perfect · #6 01-20-2008, 12:15 PM

Drurb, I'm in the Philadelphia area and the bass is located about an hour and a half from me. The bass belongs to someone that is unknown to me, but is an acquaintance of a friend. If I choose to buy the bass, I wouldn't be paying for it until I picked it up...so, if it is a mess or not what I've been told, I can just walk away.

Thanks for the link, ctregan. I'm questioning the intelligence of buying the lowest end model (12 years old and USED to boot) over waiting to see if I can get a better model in the near future.

Kevin Hsieh · #7 01-20-2008, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2perfect

Hello. I'm looking at an URB for my husband (he's been playing regular electric bass for 25 years and desperately wants to try an upright), and have an opportunity to buy a 12year old 3/4 Engelhardt for $500. It looks, from the photo, to be in good shape and the seller has promised that there are no problems with the neck, etc. Of course, I will check all that out before handing over any cash!

In any case, the seller is not the original owner of the bass and is not a player and he has no idea what the model is. Is there something I could tell him to look for so that we can identify the model?

Thank you in advance for any help!

First off, you're AWESOME for even considering getting your significant other a bass. It's a common theme here around TB that some cat gets a new bass and the wife is pissed.

Have you considered a rental program? It might end up being better off for your husband as he sees if he likes the instrument. Then you can save up and buy a nicer model englehardt.

just my two cents

cheers

**Matthew Tucker** · #8 01-20-2008, 02:25 PM

Can you take a double bass player along with you?

2perfect · #9 01-20-2008, 03:10 PM

Kevin, if an upright bass can put a smile on that miserable sucker's face, it's okay by me! I'm kidding, of course...he's a great husband and an even better dad, so he deserves to be happy and making music makes him happy, so...

I'm definitely rethinking the C-1 at this point and will give some thought to the rental idea...although that will certainly take the punch out of my gift idea.

I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to stumble on a forum like this and get info without being made to feel like an idiot!

Matthew, unfortunately, I don't know any double bass players well enough to ask them...