Seeking Information on Franz Andreas Label

[JBHittle]

I recently acquired a 3/4 plywood West German Shop Bass-- (actually you might say I rescued it from a dirty old flea market out in the middle of the prairie).

At any rate, it looks very similar to a German plywood Anton Shroetter that I owned years ago...a solid ply with some nice features like the ebony linings on both sides of the neck block. Beautiful large scroll with nickel half-plates. The label inside says "Franz Andreas Mittenwald" and beneath that in small print is the typical "made in W. Germany, U.S. Zone" statement that is seen on these import labels. I don't need another instrument, but will have it cleaned up and a new bridge and some other issues corrected and sell it. I need to get a sense of value. And will be grateful for any information on the Andreas label, background, etc.

[eh_train]

Hi JB,

Some pics would really help. Older German ply basses might range from one thousand to around three thousand, depending on the condition. If you correct whatever issues it may have, the price would obviously rise.

A 'U.S. Zone' label suggests it's more than 50 years old, I think, because later labels just say W. Germany. Between 1948 and the early 1950s, W. Germany was divided into several different zones, governed by different partners from the Allied forces.

Cheers,

Paul (Eh_train)