What do you guys think this is?

[Silversorcerer]

Originally Posted by Jordi Carrasco

Isnt this possably a basse de viole? If it is we are talking about at least 1700 or maybe 1600, this bass could be worth a lot after reparation.

Not too plausible. Generally violones had 5 or even 6 strings well into the Baroque period. 3 string basses like that were later, I think very late 18th century through the whole 19th century. It might be very old, but not violone period. Many of the violones didn't have edges beyond the ribs and these all would have had more strings, in which case there should be evidence of alteration of the pegbox, etc. Most of the evidence looks like damage to the original structure.

I think Ken Smith got it right. It looks like a 19th century bass that has seen better days. It would be interesting to know who is bidding on it and why the high reserve. Some people just automatically think anything really old is valuable for that reason alone. Sometimes ...

[Silversorcerer]

Originally Posted by ctregan

One good thing about the bass; it does not have a lot of ill repairs that will have to be redone. Other than the stripped finnish, its looks original and untouched. I like the end pin.

Well, so the seller says, but that bolt through the neck heel doesn't look original nor does it suggest "untouched". If you look over the photos carefully, you will see a great deal of old repair work. Right in the belly of the top there is a bow-tie inset. That's to close an old crack. It looks like it is still holding, but that is one of the better repairs on the bass that I can see. The whole thing would have to be taken apart. Just the neck heel area alone is a disaster area in terms of old repairs. And a very close look at that area suggests that it might have the ribs let into the neck/block. So it may not have a true neck block.

Granted, it would be a really cool instrument restored to playability, but the time investment would be huge compared the finished value. Some people just like to perform labors of love on old things. Perhaps this is what the bidders intend, and by the way, the bid is up a bit and the reserve still not met.