FS: aluminum-neck Kramer DMZ fretless w/ OHSC

[LanEvo]

Hi, guys.

I moved into a small apartment and have too many basses. I've got to thin out the herd asap.

First up is a Kramer USA "tuning fork" bass. The model number is DMZ 4001 and the serial number suggests it was built in 1980 at the Nepture, NJ factory. It's got a lined fretless neck and single DiMarzio pickup.

The neck is very thin and fast; feels very much like a Geddy Lee Jazz Bass. Minimal neck relief. Very low action. Strung with fresh Webstrings s.s. roundwounds (round core, 40-60-75-95 gauge) put on last night.

In terms of tone, it absolutely nails the Bakithi Kumalo "Graceland" vibe. Mwah for days. Comes with original hard-shell case in excellent condition. Asking $575 for quick sale. Will entertain reasonable offers.















The only defect is a hairline crack along the back of the neck, with a small chunk of clearcoat missing:





Fingerboard is in fantastic shape, with minimal grooving from the roundwounds:



I've got brand new Fender strap-locks mounted. The original machined aluminum strap buttons are included:





Even comes with the original warranty card, which remains unfilled:



Again, I set my asking price to just $575 (plus shipping) so that it moves quickly. Not interested in trades...I need the space!

[Jamarvic]

Free bump cuz i've been wanting to get a Kramer since I found an old pic of my '81 XL-9.

[loopee]

how heavy is it?

[raal]

great price, these are quality vintage US-made basses

[Vakmere]

Classic. I still have my 650B from 1978. Grab a piece of history, buy this bass.

[bassybill]

I'd buy this in an instant if it was here in the UK - unfortunately, shipping and customs would add a massive chunk of change to get it over here.

It must be pretty rare, too, I don't think I ever saw a fretless one of these before. I think this should sell pretty fast, really.

[LanEvo]

Originally Posted by Vakmere

Grab a piece of history, buy this bass.

I do love it. It's just that I bought a Linc Luthier fretless 5'er and a vintage '59 Melody Maker on the same day. Gulp!

I need to clear out my lesser used gear and make some space in the apartment before I end up starring in the next episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive on TLC.

Originally Posted by bassybill

I'd buy this in an instant if it was here in the UK ... I think this should sell pretty fast, really.

I can get you a shipping quote if you like. There's been some interest, but no one has made a firm offer yet.

[bassybill]

Thanks, but I know from experience that shipping wouldn't be TOO bad, it's the customs import duties and VAT that would add a massive amount. I've only bought one bass from the US via TalkBass and the price we settled on was $600 + shipping. It ended up costing me very close to $1000 with everything that got added on (packing, shipping, insurance, customs and the dreaded VAT that is now 20% of everything else on the paperwork including the shipping and insurance).

It still wasn't too bad a deal, but I'm sure you take my point.

[LanEvo]

Originally Posted by loopee

how heavy is it?

Between 7.5 to 8.0 lbs according to my bathroom scale.

[loopee]

worried about that hairline crack in the neck.....

[klanger2003]

perhaps it's just a crack in the clearcoat and not the alum.

[LanEvo]

Originally Posted by loopee

worried about that hairline crack in the neck.....

It's not a crack in the neck. These necks have a heavy clearcoat on the back: the crack is limited to the clearcoat.

Originally Posted by klanger2003

perhaps it's just a crack in the clearcoat and not the alum.

Exactly: it's 100% in the cleacoat. The wood and aluminum are fine.

If you could examine the bass in person, it's obvious that this is purely a finish issue...not a structural one.

[LanEvo]

Local buyer backed out before I could show him the bass in person. Still available.

[TN WOODMAN]

Wish I could take this off your hands. My wife is fairly understanding, but storage is starting to become an issue and I just bought Instagator's restored '65 Rivoli. Beautiful example of this model bass. The clearcoat on neck is a non issue and could be easily corrected if desired.

[LanEvo]

Bump! Will entertain reasonable offers.

[Twocan]

PM sent

[CTbass&birdsong]

PM sent

[LanEvo]

open to offers.

[azflyman]

[MarkBC]

Badass! Reminding me of my TB 2000 that I'm also selling, I believe these Kramer basses were inspired by Travis Bean's creations?