Help me identify my WM Lewis & Sons bass?

[symphonik]

I am considering selling or donating my double bass, but I'd like to get more details on it first. All I really know is that we purchased it in the early 1990s, but I'm not sure if it was manufactured around then or sometime before.

It's a WM Lewis & Sons model (though I've read on this forum that doesn't necessarily mean anything), model 230 3/4 (obviously it's a 3/4-size).

Any ideas of the origin of this? Any ideas how to accurately appraise it?

I'm attaching a photo of the serial number sticker.

Cheers.

[bassist1962]

Red X

[foilracer]

This may help....my Lewis brochure from '94 says "THE LEWIS 230...

An expertly made German instrument crafted from finest laminated spruce and maple
for totally crackproof construction. Cornice edges assure extra reinforcement to avaoid costly repairs. Beautiful brown varnish finish shaded over a light brown base gives an appearance similar to handmade master quality instruments. Inlaid purfling, good quality ebony fingerboard, nut and tailpiece for maximum studiness. Hand-fitted German maple bridge, nylon tail loop and high quality steel strings. Available in3/4 and 1/2 sizes."

[foilracer]

I purchased the model 235 "Popper bass" in '94 or '95.

I was told that it could be a "Musima" bass but never received any confimation. The list price of The Lewis
230 could have been about $3000.00 US at that time.

Maybe other bassists can comment on these "bits" of information.

[symphonik]

Thanks for the info. I've re-added the image, if that helps anyone. So far some good information, but if anyone has more...

Thanks.

[EJ_Dad]

Originally Posted by foilracer

"Cornice edges assure extra reinforcement to avaoid costly repairs. "

If Cornice edges mean 1/4 round molding on the ribs at the top and back, then it maybe a Musima. My repair guy called it a Muhl (sp) joint, typical of Eastern Block basses.

If Cornice edges mean a flat molding, then probably not a Musima.

[jtlownds]

Originally Posted by EJ_Dad

If Cornice edges mean 1/4 round molding on the ribs at the top and back, then it maybe a Musima. .

Meisel also uses the 1/4 round molding for outside linings.

[bassist1962]

I have a 236 with 1/4 in round molding.

[el_mariachi]

just to toss my bass in on this thread, I noticed my label to be quite different, and obviously mine was made in Romania, not Germany.

[Turock]

Mine is a 226 "Orchestra Laminated" with a label like the OP has except that "226" and "76137" are hand written. I thought the guy I bought it from had told me it was made in Romania; however, he has since told me he has no idea where it was made.

[Wyzird05]

You might try looking up some information at www.conn-selmer.com, then click on brands across the top. If you can't find much information there you can probable send and e-mail or call.