Need info on '56 American Standard Upright

Dave Harbst · #1 09-27-2009, 08:06 AM

(I'm new to TalkBass and already posted this, but in the BG section by mistake, so I will re-post it here in DB.)
.....
First of all, I'm just getting interested in bass, so I know almost nothing about a bass. I've been a mandolin player for quite a while, but never tried the bass. I have an opportunity to trade a mandolin for a bass, but I'm not familiar with what the bass I'm interested in is worth. So far, this is what I've been told: It's a 1956 American Standard and has recently had all new hardware, a neck reset, new adjustable bridge, adjustable end pin, new tuners, new tailpiece and new strings. The guy who owns it is a bluegrass musician who plays professionally. He claims the bass is a "monster". Any feedback, good, bad or otherwise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

tomshepp · #2 09-27-2009, 08:37 AM

American Standards are, IMHO, and limited knowledge, well respected old American plywood basses. I think they are more rare than Kay basses which are also highly regarded in some circles. AS basses have a rep of having a big sound and are sought after by a lot of bluegrass players. They also can have problems in certain areas. A good luthier will know about all of this.

All this being said, you should play the bass, have it evaluated by a respected luthier, and then compare that with the value of the mandolin that you are trading.

I think there was a really nice AS for sale in the classified section here. With old plywood basses, originality of the instrument also affects its value. Best of luck and welcome to TB.

Dave Harbst · #3 09-27-2009, 02:41 PM

>>tomshepp
Good advice. Thanks. I'll proceed with caution.
DH

jlilley · #4 09-27-2009, 04:13 PM

I have a '49 American Standard and it is a great bass. Some of the old American plywood basses have some serious mojo going on. If you've got an interest in the low end and the bass checks out, I don't think you'll regret picking it up.
Check out americanstandardbass.com for more information on these great old basses.
Cheers,
John

Dave Harbst · #5 09-27-2009, 05:39 PM

jlilly,
I feel pretty sure the bass is solid and is as described. At this point, I'm more concerned that it is worth what he feels it is, which is $1800, by the way. Just in case I don't continue with playing the bass, I'd like to be able to resell it without losing too much.
I am still trying to get an idea what that particular model of bass is worth.
Thanks for you input.
DH

jlilley · #6 09-27-2009, 09:20 PM

I don't think you'd have any trouble getting $1800 out of it as long as the condition is good.
John

Dave Harbst · #7 09-28-2009, 03:28 AM

jlilley,
Yeah, that's what I've been finding in my search for for more info. So I guess all I need to do now is to take the plunge and see what happens.
Thanks for your input.
DH

tomshepp · #8 09-28-2009, 04:41 AM

The AS in the TB classified section was well north of $1800. I think the asking price was in the $3500. range? If I could figure out how to link it I would. Dave, see if you can find it. It's on page 2. It looks to me to be in about as good and original condition as it gets.

PaulKing · #9 09-28-2009, 07:33 AM

You are looking at a VERY desirable and collectable bass at a pretty decent price. They are desirable for good reason, as they tend to sound good.

Check Fretwell bass for AS basses sold in the past. On the 'basses sold page' prices are deleted ... but look at the pictures and they all have price tags on, so at least you know the asking price.

Dave Harbst · #10 09-28-2009, 08:16 AM

tomshepp,
Found it and it's just what I was needing to know. The guy I'm working with on this deal is an okay guy and I've had some dealings with him before, so now that I've done some research on the AS bass, I am feeling comfortable with the deal. I'm in PA and he's in TN, so now it's just a matter of conveniently getting the bass. Next month, I plan to visit a friend down that way and will pick up the bass at that time.
Thanks to you and the other TB guys. I'm new to this site and from what I've read so far, it seems like a good community. I've been a Mandolin Cafe member just about since it started and feel the same about that site.
Thanks again.
Dave in PA

Phil Rowan · #11 09-28-2009, 08:42 AM

$1800's a great deal on an American Standard, even if you have to put a little extra in if it needs some re-adjustments with its set up.

Dave Harbst · #12 09-28-2009, 09:00 AM

Thanks, Phil. I'll be getting the AS next month sometime and am anxious to learn how to play it.
Dave

Bass · #13 09-28-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Harbst

...I'm new to this site and from what I've read so far, it seems like a good community...

Hi Dave, welcome to TalkBass! Well, some of us here are pretty good anyhow.

Good luck with the AS bass, sounds like a good deal to me. Especially if he's taking your mandolin on trade.

Paul New · #14 09-28-2009, 05:02 PM

Hey Dave, are you still here? What's the mandolin you're trading? As you know by now, those Am Standards are in demand, and not just for bluegrass.

Dave Harbst · #15 09-29-2009, 09:53 AM

Paul,
Yeah, still here. The mandolin is a Summit F-100S. It's a great mandolin. The deal is done at this point, as I have agreed to the trade. I expect to get the bass within the next month. It's in TN and I'm in PA. I have a trip to Asheville coming up and can pass through TN on the way and pick up the bass.
Thanks for the positive feedback. The more I talk to people about the AS, I feel that I am making a good move in getting it.
Dave in PA

PaulKing · #16 09-29-2009, 10:49 AM

You are making a good move.
Expect to have people offer you money all the time for that bass...

Dave Harbst · #17 09-29-2009, 11:44 AM

Paul,
Before I give it up, I'll make a strong attempt to learn to play it. I'm sure I'll be back to the TalkBass site for some tips from the "pros" out there.
Thanks for the positive input.
Dave