Here's the French bass I liked at D. Gage's...

fergus currie · #1 07-07-2009, 04:14 AM

What do you think of that?
I was quoted $30,000.

mr.hughes · #2 07-07-2009, 04:31 AM

I think she's pretty. What do you think of it? Likes/Dislikes?

Paul Warburton · #3 07-07-2009, 06:31 AM

Hey, Fergus. I was going to ask about how you liked that one after having read your post on the gig in NYC. Since I know very little about what your reasons are for buying a bass now, I can't say much except what I think of the look and the price. Trusting your musicianship as I do, it must sound great and feel good. Are you thinking of buying and keeping your fiver? Are you thinking of adding the low B to your final choice? I think this looks like a cool old bass. No label, huh? $30,000 seems a bit steep for a bass without some known history. IMO.
For looks, I'm into the one on the floor in front of you. (Unlike most people on this board, I'm VERY into the look. I often just enjoy looking at my bass without even playing it). Are those ivory tuner handles? Double Maggini-type purfling, looks like. You know I'm in the market too. Is the one on the floor the other one you liked? I'll be in NYC next month for a gig and will be glad to see and play the Frenchie and send you some feedback. You both look good in the shot though.....match up size wise.
(I see the drop of drool on your chin, by the way). I'm a bit taller than you and am used to higher shoulders with some more bulk to the body of the bass.
Anyway all I can say is you look good together. Ain't lust grand? I'm just not sure about 30 grand.

cnltb · #4 07-07-2009, 06:34 AM

Do you like the tone?
Does it sound good?
To me,looks don't really come into it all too much.
I am however much into nOT being ripped off.
Is the Price Tag realistic for tis bass?

Ed Fuqua · #5 07-07-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Are those ivory tuner handles?

My teacher's Juzek has Bakelite (or something like it) handles that look very similar in color and appearance...I'll e-mail you a pitcher.

mheintz · #6 07-07-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

I'll be in NYC next month for a gig.

Where and when?

fergus currie · #7 07-07-2009, 01:14 PM

The Hawkes is on the floor jst behind the stairs. I'm sure you'll love this one PEE, I can't remember what the one in front on the floor is bur I found it a bit nasal/ The Frenchie was so much richer with that 'carpet' of bass fundamentals that is missing in so many instruments. I think it does have a history, I on the other hand have a poor memory for names! I can ask Ben Blumgart what the history is.

Yes, this was unfortunately a too short, too dazzling visit to this wonderful shop to make up my mind either way. I highly recomend taking the time to zip down to Canal Street if you're in Manhattan and ask to see the 'good stuff' on the 3rd floor! Ask for Ben to sort you out.

My Fiver is staying with me PEE. Iy's been in my possesion for nearly 30 years and I, too, get that 'sit and look at the bass' moment! Especially if it's just been cleaned.

I think bass prices have been inflated on both sides of the Atlantic over the past decade. In the 70s a good bass would set you back 8,000 pounds in England, now the some bass will cost from 25,000 to 35,000. 15 years ago I was offered a good deal from the fine German maker Horst Grunnert (there's one of his historical copies at David's but it's a tiny french solo thing - not for you PEE). I was offered an incredible 5string for 22,000 DeutchMarks (about the same as Euros now) originally priced at 25,000 which I played for a whole week in the back room of his workshop. The same bass today sells for 35,000 euros. Another choice is from my old friend Derek High who makes about one bass a year and quoted me again 30,000 euros for a fiver. This is the maker who made the bass that Bozo Paradzik plays. Bozo told me he reckons Derek is maybe the best maker of our times!

Oh God waffle-itis has struck again....

Cheers
FC

Paul Warburton · #8 07-07-2009, 06:54 PM

Thing is Fergus, that the economy over here is seein' some rough and uncertain times. There ARE some excellent deals on very good basses. You, unfortunately, are in no position to dig around, being over there, like I can over here. I recently found two basses originally priced in the 25K range that were dropped down to less than 17. They didn't work for me because of my needs. I'll check around for you while I'm shopping. Ya never know.
If you want to PM me with some measurements and other info on what you'd like, I'd enjoy doing that for you.

fergus currie · #9 07-08-2009, 02:55 AM

I guess you're right, Paul, about the distance thing. Europe has many makers and stores with fine instruments but my visit to NYC was an interesting watershed. I got to see what the market there was like and dabbled a bit in the stores. I remember Peter Moore (Principal BBCSSO 1953-76 and my first serious teacher) telling me that he sold his Panormo across the pond for an enoromous pirce in the late 70s and I never really got my head round the implications of this. All (maybe not all but 90% at least!) of the 'top' instuments I tried (and liked) were European! so maybe I should look closer to home. I thought I might find one of those old Italian basses (Maggini, Panormo etc.) lurking in those stores but I guess they're all in orchestras by now.

I spent 10 years playing A Grunnert copy of a John Lott 5er which turned out to be a superb bass (unfortunately no longer with me) and my revamped Rubner warhorse (which is the one in the photo you saw) makes the sounds I like. You see, German technology with Scottish thrifty engineering combine quite well! I'll try to find pictures of the rebuild I did on the Rubner and post them here.

As for my financial situation, I'm still looking for the recesion to end and a good audition to come up close to home! But these things keep, so maybe soon.

Enjoy your trip PEE, as they say in Manhattan - Al haibi!
Cheers