Suzuki Violin Co. Ltd Upright Basses

[bass_snake]

Hi y' all,

I just checked out an upright bass this morning. Label says inside is "Suzuki Violin Co. Ltd." Also tuning keys says Suzuki on it.

Anyone y' all know about this bass? It' s a plywood bass. Okay sounding bass. It has a rosewood board. Bag is included. He was thinking $900 to sell it. But he said he' ll ask his brother in law first to see how much he should sell it for.

Anyone know where this basses are made. Seems good for bluegrass/ country playin'.

Sorry no pics.

thanks y' all,

Fred

[Matt Ides]

Suzuki basses tend to be student entry level since they are marketed to students doing the suzuki method. I have played two before and they were OK. I guess a few questions since the price point is $900.

1. Will it need a set-up, new string, and other things? I bring this up b/c if it does you might be better off getting an entry level bass from a luthier.

2. Any open seems, straight neck, obvious repairs, bridge in good shape?

3. Make sure it is a 3/4 size bass, since they can be different sizes catering to younger players.

4. How did it play, sound, and feel for you?

[bass_snake]

I know that the neck' s been repaired and it looks straight. It needs a set up and I' d change the strings. Fingerboard looks it' s been really used alot. 3/4 bass and felt and sounded good.

[Matt Ides]

Also, just assume another $500-700 for set-up (bridge, redressing, sound post adjustment, ect.) new strings, and bow.

[kurtdaniel1]

Japan has some of the best woodworkers in the world. I wouldn't be surprised if this violin bass is very good.

[punkozuna]

Are these the same as the Kiso-Suzuki basses from the '70s?
If so, measure the mensure - don't go by the label inside. The One that I've seen close-up seemed decently made, had a plasticized coating on the fingerboard (I hear that not all of them do) and had a string length of 38" (clearly a 1/2 size even though the label said 3/4).