Not another bass id!

[61pollmann]

I've been reluctant to make this post because I've seen too many inquiries regarding identification of newer, generic, factory-made basses. I have accurate information on my three other basses (Pollmann, Grunert and Stoelzl), but this bass is a true mystery. I purchased it in 1967 from an elderly gentleman who told me that he had played it for about 40 years, and that his father had played it before him for at least 35 years. That would put it in his family since about 1892. I played this bass until I bought my Pollmann in 1976. Since then it's been in storage. Several luthiers have looked at it, and I've been told a variety of opinions, none of which coincide. The top may be newer than the back and ribs, but is still old. Any of our resident experts in TB land have any opinions? I would love to take it to someone like Arnold, but I'm in Wisconsin.

Thanks in advance,

George

[Matthew Tucker]

nice shape ... but I wanna see bigger pictures and closeups of ffs and button and purfling ...

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by 61pollmann

I've been reluctant to make this post because I've seen too many inquiries regarding identification of newer, generic, factory-made basses. I have accurate information on my three other basses (Pollmann, Grunert and Stoelzl), but this bass is a true mystery. I purchased it in 1967 from an elderly gentleman who told me that he had played it for about 40 years, and that his father had played it before him for at least 35 years. That would put it in his family since about 1892. I played this bass until I bought my Pollmann in 1976. Since then it's been in storage. Several luthiers have looked at it, and I've been told a variety of opinions, none of which coincide. The top may be newer than the back and ribs, but is still old. Any of our resident experts in TB land have any opinions? I would love to take it to someone like Arnold, but I'm in Wisconsin.

Thanks in advance,

George

First off, try posting all the pics in one single Thread, not 2 separate ones. As for the Bass, a late 19th century German Orchestra Bass. Fairly typical for the period.

[Carl Johnson]

Nice bass, the back arch looks like a Pollmann I saw the other day. How far back to Pollmanns go?

What's the string length?

Elegant, could it be a german copy of a italian. Excentric f-holes, I dig it, that bass needs to be played....

If that's your backup you must have a really nice main axe.

[toman]

Nice looking bass. Post some bigger better pictures. Maybe outside in daylight, with closeups of button/f holes/scroll etc.

[Kevin Hsieh]

i really dig the f-holes. gorgeous... if you ever want to unload it onto someone instead of storing... let me know