This is what I got

nello · #1 01-07-2009, 02:17 AM

Well thanks for all your input.
This is what I eventually ended up with. This bass was distributed in the 1940s/50s in the UK by Selmer. It was made in Czhekoslovakia and, like I said, it has maple back and ribs and a pine front. I have had to spend something in hte region of 200USD to put a new end pin and new machine heads and to be re-set up. As you can see it's not in the best conditions but it sounds great. As for the price let's just say that I have had to deny my children 'happy meals' for the whole of two weeks.

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Nello

PS... Let me know what you think of it

**Matthew Tucker** · #2 01-07-2009, 02:49 AM

I'd happily go without happy meals for a month for that bass. looks fine to me!

Jake deVilliers · #3 01-07-2009, 10:23 AM

Nice bass! I wouldn't eat a 'happy meal' if you paid me....

MonetBass · #4 01-07-2009, 11:02 AM

As long as it sounds good, then you have a keeper there, my friend.

Congrats!

fretlessspence · #5 01-07-2009, 11:15 AM

That pine top is great.

Phil Rowan · #6 01-07-2009, 01:08 PM

Pinetop Perkins!

Nice looking bass.. congrats!

Gearhead43 · #7 01-07-2009, 03:46 PM

Really nice, that top grain is very cool looking. Looks like she has some Mojo going on too, how does she sound?

nello · #8 01-08-2009, 01:26 AM

I bought this bass for my daughter which had overgrown her 1/2 size. Ideally I was looking for a 3/4 but this 'deal' came along which I found hard to refuse. As I understand it, the size is on the border between 3/4 and full, being 1820mm high.
I am no expert but it does sound great to my ears, especially when my daughter's teacher plays it.
The best 'prize' for me is that, since reciving it for Christmas, my daughter has not put it down!!
My next step will be to get a decent set of strings, any suggestions? Considering that she uses it mainly for orchestral work and 90% of the time she uses a bow.

Nello

nello · #9 01-30-2009, 02:53 AM

Got one of Bob's $148 french bows on Monday, extremely happy with it, the teacher words were "incredibly good quality for the price", thanks Bob.

I have been advised to get a set of Pirastro Flexocor for the bass, apparently they are very good orchestral strings. Has anyone had any experience of these strings?

Nello

foilracer · #10 01-30-2009, 01:48 PM

At least consider Bel Canto strings from Thomastic. After 15 years of various strings, double basses and styles (including 40 years electric bass).....I am very happy with the sound, feel, tension and arco response of the Bel Canto strings...look
at the Talkbass "strings" category....good luck!

Carl Johnson · #11 01-30-2009, 02:12 PM

Nice, I'd love to give that thing a spin. You scored you lucky bugger...

TroyK · #12 01-30-2009, 04:30 PM

Without knowing much about you, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you're going to love that bass. I love it and I can't even hear it or touch it. It's so cool to find an instrument like that who has been some places and done some things and is up for whatever plans you may have for it, arm and arm.

nello · #13 01-31-2009, 08:19 AM

I must admit I was thinking of going for Bel Canto but a bass player from the BBC Symphony Orchestra advised me to go for the Flexicor. Apparently he's been using them for 12 years.
So any of you know what the main differences are between the two sets? As for price here in the UK there's only £2 difference.

Nello