Johannes Kohr model K 58 What Can Ya Tell Me

[UprightCowboy]

Hello everyone, I'm a newbie to the Upright Bass. I've been an Acoustic Guitar player/Singer-Songwriter for over 20 years.
I'm buying a Johannes Kohr model K 58, and would like to find information on this Name and Model.
Thanks in advance for your input. I ask that we please don't start a WAR over this Q., as I've found in the past Forums can be a bad source for just such a thing.
UprightCowboy

[Jsn]

The name "Johannes Kohr" is a house brand for the Howard Core company. It's not German. The "Johannes" indicates it's a student level bass; Core puts "August F. Kohr" on the more upscale models.

Don't know the details of a Model 58. Probably has a real ebony fingerboard, though.

[UprightCowboy]

Thanks theBass has some history behind it, and I bought it from a friend of mine who repairs string instruments, I'll post you later as to who owned it in the past, as i want to be clear on this before I misspeak.
UprightCowboy

[Steve Killingsworth]

I have a good friend who has owned a Kohr for six or seven years. It plays very well and has a nice woody sound but he has had problems. At least one seam has opened up and the neck snapped clean at the heel while lying in its case. Other than those issues, its been a very good bass.

Its been over 2 years since he made repairs and has had no problems.

[UprightCowboy]

Thanks Steve, this Bass has been very well maintained, It has been in the Hands of
"Too Slim" Riders in the Sky fame as well as Dick Smothers of "The Smothers Brothers", I'm awaiting the rest of the information as too who else has had it.
I bought it from a friend of mine who is string instrument repairman. I'm trying to find out when it was built, I have gathered from postings and research that it must be a middle of the line Bass, or a bit above the low end market.
I'm a Cowboy Singer-Songwriter-Poet & Author, on my web sight I put a different Cowboy saying up every Sunday along with new poetry.
One of the Best lines remarking to your not having anything witty to say is.
"Never miss a good chance to shut up"

[gaelmckeon]

Generaly the K series basses are of good quality. They're built lighter than a lot of other plywoods, which is a double edged sword. They can sound loud and clear, but don't have the structural integrity of a heavier build. They're usually well built, though. Depending on the year of manufacture, they can have an ugly glossy plastic look. That can be remedied with some steel wool and some elbow grease, to some degree.
As for the open seam mentioned in the previous post, I would say it's probably a good sign, rather than a bad one. Seams are far too often glued too tight. They're supposed to pop here and there ( though more particularly on a carved instrument), and it's never fun trying to remove the top on a bass that someone has glued on forever. Playing an upright is like playing a big, really fragile cabinet made without fasteners. Things will give, no matter the quality.
You're right about it being above bottom level. As far as modern plywoods go, it's not easy to get a much better build quality, though aesthetics and bells and whistles will be lacking. It's right there in the middle, and should make a fine bass.

[UprightCowboy]

Thanks gaelmckeon for that information, all I need now is the year, all of this is just so I know, if the folks I mentioned played on it, it will be fine for me, as it will take me awhile to build the new one.
Thanks for the info.
UprightCowboy

[Bullhead]

I bought a Kohr K 61 as my first UB new in 2006. It is a 2005 model according to the sticker. It is shiny, but has served me very well. According to what I can find, the only difference between the current k58, is that the current k61, for about $300 more, has upgraded fittings. I have had no structural issues at all. Very pure sound, very comfortable to play-I think it's strings length is 40 5/8"- and loud enough to suit me. It amplifies well, too. If you've read the newbie links, unless you're extraordinarly lucky (don't count on it), you can't get a decent playable instrument for under $1,000, so the asking price would matter somewhat. Being a Chinese ply, it has not increased in value from that figure, which was probably what it cost when it was new.