Romanian: Mehi Rhegan

ropepuller · #1 07-15-2009, 08:27 AM

I am considering a fully-carved, flat back Romanian bass. I haven't heard it yet, but I know the fellow selling it and he says it has great punch and even sound.

The sticker inside says "Mehi - Rhegan".

Does anyone know anything helpful about these basses?

Thanks

Sam Sherry · #2 07-31-2009, 06:05 PM

Sorry not to respond sooner; I didn't see this until now.

What I've heard is that there are several musical instrument factories in the Reghin, Romania area, and that Mehi is one. Some webstuff reflects that the "Calin Wultur" shop is there. Most of the Romanian instruments which make it to the USA bear labels from the importer, not the manufacturer. Consequently, although it is highly likely that there are a bunch of Mehi basses in the US I've never heard of a bass that actually carried their label here.

Punch line is that some Romanian basses are built heavy and some are not. The best sound very nice. Play it and bring somebody to hear it. You could find a turd or you might find a deal.

ropepuller · #3 08-04-2009, 02:24 PM

Thanks Sam,

I actually went over to play the bass. I have to say, it sounds great. It is a fairly light bass...the wood on the top seems thin. Being that it is a flat back and is only a few years old, I'm a little concerned about a tendency to crack if the wood was not properly aged.

Sam Sherry · #4 08-05-2009, 07:28 AM

Concerns about cracking are always well-taken, whether old or new, CCB, domestic work-horse or Italian masterwork. Owners must look after the humidity of their instruments. Those who do find cracking to be rare.

I've had ONE instrument that cracked due to humidity issues. It was a guitar with the top joined and glued in the summer in Connecticut, i.e. about 45% humidity on an easy day. During the winter in San Diego we had a five-percent humidity day and SPROING there it went.

I humidify my bass (and former basses) pretty regularly and I haven't had a problem. (Over the years I've had more bad news from doorways than from humidity.) But yeah, if you live in Phoenix humidity will be a challenge for you.

In short, if you are careful about monitoring and controlling humidity you need not worry more than anybody else and probably less than some. Romania has historically cut some of the finest violin-grade spruce in the world.

Hope this helps.

Will Yager · #5 08-05-2009, 06:19 PM

I have a Calin Wultur and I love it