Wilfer #10

[Acrog]

A shop in Dallas has a new Emanuel Wilfer #10 bass that was damaged in shipping, but repaired. I went in yesterday to try it out and fell in love. Whoever did the repair didn't do the best job, as the upper rib doesn't match the top, but it isn't that noticeable. They want $5500 for bass/case/Brazil wood bow/setup & new strings. I want to know if this is a good deal, or if I should try and work the price down. This will be my first fully carved bass. Is there anything else in the NE Texas area I should look at? I play mostly classical in a large orchestra, with occasional solo stuff.

Thanks!

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Acrog

A shop in Dallas has a new Emanuel Wilfer #10 bass that was damaged in shipping, but repaired. I went in yesterday to try it out and fell in love. Whoever did the repair didn't do the best job, as the upper rib doesn't match the top, but it isn't that noticeable. They want $5500 for bass/case/Brazil wood bow/setup & new strings. I want to know if this is a good deal, or if I should try and work the price down. This will be my first fully carved bass. Is there anything else in the NE Texas area I should look at? I play mostly classical in a large orchestra, with occasional solo stuff.

Thanks!

I strongly suggest that you work out an arrangement to take the bass to an independent luthier who can evaluate the repair. That's especially true because you mention that it was not done all that well. Only then will you be able to tell if you are being offered a good deal.

[Bass Barrister]

Steve Loeb, Ideal Music (www.bassesonline.com) is, or was, selling some "luthier specials" No. 10 Wilfers for $3500 or 3 for $9000. These had repaired top cracks, per the ad, and, as is the case with other Ideal basses, required a good set-up. So far as I know, the NO. 10 (aka No. 500) is a mid-line Wilfer. Based on what I've seen of the current Wilfer line, this one may not be that much out of line price-wise. YOu might have a small amount of wiggle room to neggotiate.

I think what you would want to do is to take it out on a trial basis. While you have it, take it to a good independent luthier and get a second opinion. You may have to pay something for this service but it will be worthwhile to get a second look from a trained eye. If I were the seller, and a luthier, I'd be proud to show off my work to another pro.

[MDEbass]

If you can wait another 2 months, there will be a double bass symposium at TCU in October. It says there will be booths for luthiers and shops to display their basses, so I would think it would be a good opportunity to try basses if you are on the market for a new carved DB. I don't know many details about it, but its worth checking out if your in Texas.

http://www.music.tcu.edu/tdbs.asp

[Acrog]

I did show the bass to a luthier, and he said that the damage was only cosmetic and shouldn't affect the sound or lifetime of the bass.