| I own a Schiller bass. It is a 1/2 size bass and has (what I think is called) a Sunburst color (Yellows/Oranges/Reds mixed to look like a sunset). It has a small black scroll-work/outline along the outside of the front of the body and has a curved back. It's F holes are smaller than normal (in my opinion) and has (what I think is) a custom made bridge (with some minor mis-measurements and the tool marks still showing). It has a standard, black tailpiece and a maple fingerboard. It has a standard scroll that curls twice over itself. It has the standard brass plating and brass tuning pegs, but there is scroll-work along the edges of the brass plating. The bass looks like it's pretty old. It looks like it must have suffered some sort of water damage somehow. The laminate is cracked in some places and there are minor scratches/chunks in the wood. The whole bass itself is pretty sturdy and can take a beating. It weighs more than the average bass would; probably because the type of wood used to make the bass is heavier and more thicker than most luthiers would use.
If I could sum up my analysis about Schiller basses, I'd have to say this:
Schiller basses are either made or sold (or both) in Romania. They have a nice, deep tone when played with Jazz Pizzicato. When played with a bow, they have an above average, excellent tone when played in the low range (E and A strings). But when you get to the D string, things get a little shaky. The tone starts to get less strong and wavers more. When playing on the G string, the bass isn't as good as when playing on the first two strings. The tone is good, but the amount of pressure you apply to the string is something to get used to. Too much or too little pressure on this string can completely set it off of a good tone. I'd have to rate it's sound 4.5/5 , because of it's excellent tone on the low range and sort-of good tone on the high range. Because of it's weight, I'd also have to say that you'd be getting a huge work-out. My bass is only a 1/2 size and it's heavier than most of the bigger sizes. It could lead to back problems later on. I strain myself after playing/practicing because I'm tired after playing the faster songs and have no strength to lift the bass. Other than the high range and the weight problem, I'd recommend this bass to people who put a lot of effort into their playing and take their playing seriously.
I'm thinking of getting my bass appraised. It looks pretty old and I think it might be worth something. I bought mine for $2,200 and I know it has to be worth more than that. I'm guessing it might be somewhere between $3,000 and $6,000. Maybe even more, you never know.
Last edited by KShimkowitz : 10-04-2010 at 04:29 AM.
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