Howdy, new to these parts...

[Chordhoard]

Hi y'all. Im new to the site, and relatively new to the instrument. I just bought a 71 Englehardt from a fellow student of mine in my jazz class. I think that I got a great deal, and have it up with the Bass Dr. getting some TLC. I was just wonderin' if anyone could help me get a ball park value on it. Ive checked around for bluebook sites with not too much luck. Its a 71 Englehardt em-1 serial number 3014. The guy doing the work said maybe around $1400, maybe more. Little help here. Please.

[drurb]

Welcome to TB and to the DB! So, what did you pay? Brand new EM-1s can be had for about $1100. Even with some expert setup work, you'd be in for less than $1500. Generally, Engels don't appreciate much, if any, with age. The interesting thing though is that, because yours was made in 1971, just one year after the beginning of production and transition from Kay, it is likely one of the "EngelKays." While not worth what a Kay would be, because these early Engels were on the cusp of being Kays, they tend to fetch more.

Calling Molly...

[crowsmengegus]

Welcome chordhoard.

One of these (from early 80's) was my first DB, and I paid $800 + setup adjustment and strings for it. Gollihur sells EM1s new for 1100. You can check craigslist or other sites to gauge the market for older ones: like this for instance.

They're really great basses; cheap and tough, big and boomy pizz and not too shabby under the bow. Enjoy!

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by drurb

Welcome to TB and to the DB! So, what did you pay? Brand new EM-1s can be had for about $1100. Even with some expert setup work, you'd be in for less than $1500. Generally, Engels don't appreciate much, if any, with age. The interesting thing though is that, because yours was made in 1971, just one year after the beginning of production and transition from Kay, it is likely one of the "EngelKays." While not worth what a Kay would be, because these early Engels were on the cusp of being Kays, they tend to fetch more.

Calling Molly...

Hey Doc, Kay went out of business in October of 1969...

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Hey Doc, Kay went out of business in October of 1969...

I'm quite aware of that, Jake. The first Engels rolled out in 1970. So 1971 was one year after the new production began. Most of us are familiar with this link (no pun intended). Many of those first Engels were so close to the Kay-labeled basses that they are sometimes referred to as "EngelKays" and can command higher prices and can appreciate more than the the Engels that followed years later.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by drurb

I'm quite aware of that, Jake. The first Engels rolled out in 1970. So 1971 was one year after the new production began. Most of us are familiar with this link (no pun intended). Many of those first Engels were so close to the Kay-labeled basses that they are sometimes referred to as "EngelKays" and can command higher prices and can appreciate more than the the Engels that followed years later.

Gotcha Doc.

I completely disagree about the early Engelhardts being more 'collectible' though, except maybe in the mind of some used bass salesman!

Even the later Kays ie those made with white glue, don't quite have the sound of the earlier instruments and are far less desirable than the earlier instruments.

IMHO, YMMV

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Gotcha Doc.

I completely disagree about the early Engelhardts being more 'collectible' though, except maybe in the mind of some used bass salesman!

Even the later Kays ie those made with white glue, don't quite have the sound of the earlier instruments and are far less desirable than the earlier instruments.

IMHO, YMMV

Well, I never said anything about "collectible." I said they tend to fetch higher prices. I'm sure not defending the rationale but that just seems to be the way the marketplace is based on what's in the minds of both buyers and sellers. I understand and appreciate that that's not your experience all the way up there. To be sure, it's a modest effect.

I wouldn't know about a "used bass salesman." Do you know one? Gee, is that a real job description?

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by drurb

I wouldn't know about a "used bass salesman." Do you know one? Gee, is that a real job description?

Are you looking for a job Doc?

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Are you looking for a job Doc?

Haha! Nah, at least I haven't been told I need to find one yet.

[Chordhoard]

hey guys, thanks for all your input. I was just wonderin' if I got a good deal or not. Which I feel pretty sure that at 900 plus some set up and what not, I am. I appreciate all the help though. Talk to y'all soon.