Word printed on bass: "Ammusen"?

dgelting · #1 01-29-2011, 08:06 PM

I picked up this bass locally and am really enjoying the sound. I'm looking forward to putting some work into it and getting it all fixed up.

It has a word printed on the back that is hard to make out, but it seems like it says "AMMUSEN"

Here's a pic. It is printed on the back (flatback)

No name inside. Previous owner says it is an old (>100 years) German instrument.

More pics:

Anyone know anything about this word?

Yes, I know the tailpiece is not set straight. There's a few things that need to be addressed.

Jsn · #2 01-29-2011, 08:41 PM

I don't think that's printed. I think that's carved. Perhaps "engraved" would be the right word for it.

I also think it was added after the bass was manufactured. Otherwise, it wouldn't be so clear to read on the de-layering that is evident.

My bass has a similar inscribing on its base. It says "Carroll Music 209 48th", which I gather means it once belonged to a now-defunct music school or shop in Manhattan (which is where i bought it). It also has "#18" on its scroll; thus I've deduced that it was a rental at one time.

Your markings may indicate something similar. Any more of them elsewhere on the bass?

dgelting · #3 01-29-2011, 08:50 PM

Yeah, I see how printed is really the wrong word for this.

I don't see anything else on it. It's not centered on the back either, which I find odd.

rosskratter · #4 01-29-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsn

I don't think that's printed. I think that's carved. Perhaps "engraved" would be the right word for it.

I also think it was added after the bass was manufactured. Otherwise, it wouldn't be so clear to read on the de-layering that is evident.

My bass has a similar inscribing on its base. It says "Carroll Music 209 48th", which I gather means it once belonged to a now-defunct music school or shop in Manhattan (which is where i bought it). It also has "#18" on its scroll; thus I've deduced that it was a rental at one time.

Your markings may indicate something similar. Any more of them elsewhere on the bass?

Carroll Music is a rental company, mostly known for their percussion rentals. They've since moved, but I wouldn't doubt that your bass was, at one time, a rental from Carroll.

Jsn · #5 01-30-2011, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosskratter

Carroll Music is a rental company, mostly known for their percussion rentals. They've since moved, but I wouldn't doubt that your bass was, at one time, a rental from Carroll.

Really, they're still around? It's a '38 Kay, so I assumed they were a long-gone enterprise. When I bought it (at a garage sale) it was unstrung, painted black and used as decoration, clearly unplayed for years if not decades. The guy who sold it to me said he was about to turn it into a planter.

Thanks for letting me know.

**Matthew Tucker** · #6 01-30-2011, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgelting

I
It has a word printed on the back that is hard to make out, but it seems like it says "AMMUSEN"

Perhaps it was the first double bass to make it to the South Pole?

Jazz Ad · #7 01-30-2011, 03:34 AM

The wood looks unreal. WHat's with the tubes in the f-holes?

Matthijs · #8 01-30-2011, 04:49 AM

I'm sure this doesn't help at all but it looks to me that last letter is a 'R'. The fourth letter seems open to interpretation too. I'm thinking: Amu.ser. Maybe something french?

Jason Sypher · #9 01-30-2011, 08:03 AM

Mattijs? A real Neeerlander? Hoe gaat het!

That's just some engraved name, nothing more. Interesting bass, looks a little more narrow than most German basses. Still, definitely German. Post some more pics...heel, scroll etc.

Jason Sypher · #10 01-30-2011, 08:06 AM

"Matthijs...and....Nederlander...damn iphone

Eric Hochberg · #11 01-30-2011, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthijs

I'm thinking: Amu.ser. Maybe something french?

It's the Amuser.

Jsn · #12 01-30-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

The wood looks unreal. WHat's with the tubes in the f-holes?

Those are Damp-its. They're humidifiers.

RCCollins · #13 01-30-2011, 10:04 AM

"amussen" is a surname. somebody carved their name into it.

DeathFromBelow · #14 01-30-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

Perhaps it was the first double bass to make it to the South Pole?

In that case, it would say "Amundsen"... Trust me,im norwegian!

Jsn · #15 01-30-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathFromBelow

In that case, it would say "Amundsen"... Trust me,im norwegian!

Yeah, but maybe Roald Amundsen couldn't carve all that accurately, what with his hands in mittens and all.

I think Matthew was stretching a bit for humor's sake. I laughed.

**Matthew Tucker** · #16 01-30-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsn

what with his hands in mittens and all.

Hehe. very ammusen

DeathFromBelow · #17 01-30-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsn

I think Matthew was stretching a bit for humor's sake. I laughed.

Yep,I know,made me laugh too,I just had to do it...

robobass · #18 01-31-2011, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosskratter

Carroll Music is a rental company, mostly known for their percussion rentals. They've since moved, but I wouldn't doubt that your bass was, at one time, a rental from Carroll.

They're also a popular rehearsal location for classical players.

Matthijs · #19 01-31-2011, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

"Matthijs...and....Nederlander...damn iphone

Hi Jason, Het gaat prima! I had a hard time getting that I-phone typing down too.