MEINAL PLY ANYONE?

miles'tone · #1 11-20-2009, 05:52 AM

Hi there.
My upright is an early eightys Meinal ply (German) and I've had it a few years now, but I've always wanted to know more about it. I can't seem to get any background info as all I can come up with is very expensive fully carved Meinals. My bass was bought second hand and had been traded in by a classical student form London. I trust the luthier who sold me this bass as he is of good reputation. I bought it inexpensively and it is great for the music I play which covers many styles but which is probably best described as Kay territory. Yet we all know about Kays but what about Meinal plys? Anyone got one out there or even seen/heard of one?

Hope you guys can help,

Cheers.

saltydog · #2 11-20-2009, 05:49 PM

Hi,
Can you see the label inside?.....it might actually read "Meisel" instead of Meinal. Google Meisel and you'll find all kinds of info....but mostly it boils down to the fact that Meisels are no longer made. They were a relatively inexpensive made in West germany. I have one....a good entry level bass. Mines plywood, but I understand the they made some hybreds also.
Sasltydog

Bass Barrister · #3 11-20-2009, 06:59 PM

To confuse the matter some more, Meinel, or Meinl, is a common German name and there were many instrument makers and distributors using one of those names. There are fine bows made by Oscar Meinel - don't know if he or his shop also made or sourced basses.

Today, the firm of Meinl Weston (founded by the late Anton Meinl) makes some of the top brass instruments in the world. The firm of Bohm & Meinl made great tubas in the early and mid 1950s. There are more . . .

My suggestion is to check with a luthier who has access to some of the maker books, but it may be hard to pin this one down.

" Beany, I'm not a meany, but there are many Meinels moes" Hmm . . . Moes, now that's another makes..

LouisF · #4 11-21-2009, 12:18 AM

A44o Violins in Chicago has this Meinel carved bass for sale:

Eberhard Meinel

Stock #: C1363
Our Price: $5,000.00
Product Description
Eberhard Meinel 3/4 size double bass with gamba corners and round back. This bass is fully carved, and made in the Musima factory in Markneukirchen, Germany. Good sound quality for advancing players.

(Musima made the Eberle basses that are often discussed here - and often purchased from Steve Loeb in NYC)

Louis

miles'tone · #5 11-29-2009, 05:45 PM

Hmm... the mystery continues. My bass does look very similar to that carved bass (although alot lot cheaper that is). There is no label visible inside unfortunately. I'll have to post some pics up when I figure out how to do it! Meanwhile I love this bass, I'll never sell it. Just wish I knew more about it!
Thanks alot guys.

wayne holmes · #6 11-29-2009, 09:56 PM

In my opinion- I have owned several Kay-Engelhardts and German plywoods --- I can't speak to your particular brand, but in general any plywood that is made in Germany is going to be as good or better than a kay-this is not to take away from the Kay, but the materials used in Germany would be better tonewoods. IMO , and my guess is that you have a pretty good plywood bass. My guess also is that you will probably find out more than you expected once you post the pictures-close ups will be a great help. Good Luck.