Old bass, no label.

[Gary Holder]

Hi Folks

New to the forum today, looks like a lot of you folks know a thing or two.

Can you help me get some idea about the origin of my old bass?
It has no label, I bought it in a derelict state (un-glued, loose neck etc)
It came to me from an antiques dealer who obtained it from the estate of a deceased old gentleman in Wales UK.

From my pics can you get any clues? Have a good look & post any replies you think worthy.

Much appriciated.

Best wishes
Gary Holder

[Michael Case]

The best I can say is 1)nice bass and 2) anybody who would be able to answer your question will need more detailed pics. Maybe the f holes, the back button, etc . . .

Good luck and enjoy the bass.

[Gary Holder]

OK. one or two more pics.

Thanks.

Best wishes
Gary Holder

[uptonbass]

I always love how nice green grass and a blue sky go with a bass! No really.....I do. Czech....more pics will/may help. I can say without being able to see any purfling embellishments the edge work in the button area is identical to a "Juzek" labeled bass I sold in 2005. But that "Juzek" I would have called a Pfretzschner, early 1900's German may be as close as you can get with a factory bass like that. That said I am leaning Markneukirchen.....

Hope that helps...

[Silversorcerer]

The exterior linings on the ribs are typical of certain german basses. I agree with Gary on the lighting. Best way to get a clear picture is to take it outdoors. Some close ups of the button area (right where the back comes up to the neck heel) would help a bit. The grain on the top wood looks real nice. You say it was in a derelict state. Have you had it repaired and set up already?

[clink]

Nice bass. Looks like your bridge is a bit high. It should be centered on the notches.

[Gary Holder]

Hi Folks

Thanks for your comments, the bass was advertised as a late 19th Century double bass, which would seem to fit your dates.

Area of origin unknown but varoius peeple who worked on the bass suspected it may be German. What you are thinking also backs that up.

Hello 'Clink' The bridge possition is a bit off in the pic, as you rightly spotted. That shot was taken a while back when the bass was being worked on, it's possitioned is much better now.

The bass has been restored from an unplayable condition. Top was un-glued on the lower bouts, neck was loose, a temporary bridge was rough sawn 'flat topped' & stuffed under tired old strings for the advertising photo's.

I've no idea where this bass had been kept, the exterior was covered in a thick layer of grime like you would get from an anceint kitchen, it really had the consitancy of old cooking fat. The entire bass was covered in it. The interior smelt like an old book shop, still does!

Clearly the bass had been out of action for a very long time, but she plays beautifully now. I've been working with this bass for a couple of years.

Best wishes
Gary