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Originally Posted by Mike Goodbar Am I mistaken, or don't many of the larger orchestras actually purchase older, finer instruments for their sections? |
It is true that players would like the older Basses but they usually have to buy it themselves.
With the prices for some of these Pedigrees nowadays many new Basses in the 20-30k range by todays makers are finding thier way into Orchestras more and more. Many of the 5-stringers are newer Pollmanns or similar German style Basses. Some are older 4s converted and some are original German, or Austro-Hungary/Bohemian Basses.
The older quality 4-string orchestral Basses from Italy and England range from 60-150k and are out of the reach for many younger players entering these orchestras. This is one reason you will see them playing some of the newer made USA Basses or even German, English or Italian made modern Basses. The 20-60k range is a tough market for older Basses. They may be good but in dis-repair. The may be in good condition but lack tone. The may have condition and tone but are over priced as compared to it's pedigree and age. Many French basses and the various Hawkes models fill in this gap as they range in the 15-30k on average but some are higher. I have seen Hawkes Basses from 35-40 on the Markek and French Basses in the 50-60k range.
The other Basses you will see are the 100-200 year old German-Bohemian Basses. These often need restoration to make them sound pleasing or comfortable to play. Some are heavily wooded or un-evenly graduated. A skilled maker/restorer can correct this some of the time but it wont be cheap. In this case, pay no more than 25-50 cents on the dollar to its fully restored value. The rest of the money goes to the restoration and your time, effort and risk to speculate.
In 1973 I was offered an old Italian Bass for several thousand Dollars. That was the going rate then for a good Italian Orchestra Bass that was not one of the more famous makers. The Top was sunken in. A crooked Eb neck with a 44" string length and other problems as well. I told the seller it needs about 3k to fix it up. Go fix it and then I might pay the price. WE settled on a price that gave me room to do the repairs. I spent about $2,800-3k at the time and by 1975 I had a great bass. Not a bargain but not a loss either. It served me very well until I retired 15 years later. These deals are not found as often as before as dealers and shops would make the deal first if they could and sell it fully restored at the current market price. This is just business now..
Be careful when buying and get help from at least one knowledgeable source if not more. In these price ranges, the Sharks open up the spice rack at the first scent! Good luck.. we all need it.
3/4 size.. 
