Purchasing E. Wilfer Bass

ted burik · #1 12-30-2009, 09:17 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm looking to purchase a 1977 3/4 Emanuel Wilfer bass labeled "West Germany" and "model 54." The bass, which is fully carved, appears to have only minor dings and a couple of small cracks, which my bass shop expert assures me have been professionally repaired (I definitely trust him). The bass has a focused, growly, mid-range tone indicative of Wilfer's of this period-very percussive and forward sounding. The tone definitely suits my playing style for jazz.

My bass shop is asking $7500 for the bass, which is on consigment. Any thoughts on the asking price for this instrument?

drurb · #2 12-30-2009, 09:23 AM

Sorry to answer a question with a question but how many other basses have you played in that price range? $7500 isn't exactly chump change (for me, anyway). There are some really nice (even new) basses available in that price range. Now, if the Wilfer speaks to you in a way others in that price range don't and you really do trust the repairs, etc., then that's another matter.

Eric Hochberg · #3 12-30-2009, 09:41 AM

I have 2 older Juzek style basses, most likely Wilfer made and they are both fine instruments. Sounds like a good price if the bass is in good shape and sounds good. Don't know what this model went for back in the day. Was it one of their mid priced basses? That price is low end for new Wilfers now. And this one probably has many years of playing in. You just have to make sure you like it better than other $7500 basses, so play a lot of them if you can. DRURB beat me to it I see, but he's right. There are many new basses out there now that you might consider if you want new. My experience is limited in this price range for new, but I did play a fully carved AES La Scala and Cleveland and they were both very nice!

AMJBASS · #4 12-30-2009, 09:45 AM

Agreed with the above. If the bass has a great sound it is certainly worth the money. If it is just $7500 because it is a Wilfer its not worth it. There are unlabeled german instruments that sell north of $10K if they have a killer sound.

ted burik · #5 12-30-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

Agreed with the above. If the bass has a great sound it is certainly worth the money. If it is just $7500 because it is a Wilfer its not worth it. There are unlabeled german instruments that sell north of $10K if they have a killer sound.

Hi everyone:

Thanks for all your responses-greatly appreciated. Out of 40 basses at my bass shop, I played 12 and got the choice down to 3 very great sounding but different basses. All 3 I was allowed to bring home for audition. There's the Wilfer-great mid-range growl, easy access to thumb position, and a smaller footprint-all real pluses. There was a new Paesold shop bass also for $7.5K-more open sounding than the Wilfer, but larger body and bouts with nearly unreachable thumb position for me. And finally, there is a custom made 1999 Zuchowicz (Ottowa Canada luthier) bass for $12.5-wonderful sounding open instrument, easy to play in all registers. Issue here is price (I don't really want to spend that much) and size-the bass is nearly 30 percent larger than the Wilfer and I could barely carry it in its case. I'm not sure I could get my rig in the car with this bass. All that said, I'm pretty sure I like the growly sound of the Wilfer compared to the more open sound of the other basses, plus the price is easier on my pocketbook. Any other thoughts on the purchase?

Eric Hochberg · #6 12-30-2009, 10:51 AM

If you can, take your top two contenders and record with them to see how they sound. If you have access to band tracks, you can just add the basses to the mix. I was interested in a nice old bass at one point and took it to a session to try it, and I found out that it did not have the recorded sound I needed. I wouldn't have known this by just playing it on its own or even live with a band. Those "open sounding" basses you describe may not have the sound you need if you play jazz and pop music.

ted burik · #7 12-30-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehochberg

If you can, take your top two contenders and record with them to see how they sound. If you have access to band tracks, you can just add the basses to the mix. I was interested in a nice old bass at one point and took it to a session to try it, and I found out that it did not have the recorded sound I needed. I wouldn't have known this by just playing it on its own or even live with a band. Those "open sounding" basses you describe may not have the sound you need if you play jazz and pop music.

Thanks, Eric. From what my bass shop expert told me, he thinks this model of Wilfer would fall right around a model 11 in today's standards-right below middle of the pack. I should have a chance to do some recording today of both instruments-this will definitely help. One issue with the Wilfer is that is has a non-adjustable bridge that I will have to change during set up. Makes in impossible for me to accurately set the string action on the bass. It plays pretty well now (action a bit too high) and I'm confident it will play even better once a full set up is done.

Eric Hochberg · #8 12-30-2009, 11:12 AM

Maybe the owner will pay to have adjusters put in now. It will sure help them in the sale, even if you don't buy it, and doesn't cost a lot.

Rutman's in Boston has a new model 11 listed at $13,975. Yours could be quite the find!