FS: Traben 5-String Array

[virgindog]

I bought this new a few years ago as a back-up bass, and then got a second Thunderbird, so I've never really played this one much even though it has really good tone. I took this, a Fender and a Gibson to a studio session. After trying all three, the producer liked this one's tone the best.

It's stamped "Used," meaning it's a factory second or a demo, but I can't find anything wrong with it. Both the bass and the case are in nearly new condition.

$450 plus shipping from Nashville.

More pictures at Facebook

[Lee H]

what is the serial number on the back of the headstock?

early trabens usually had a number 2 stamped into the back of the headstocks for factory seconds, then they switched to a B stamped on the fretboard, at the 24th fret... I think the used stamp probably means it was a demo.

I know trabens aren't very popular, and I think Hanser is letting the brand die, but I kind of like them. The ones build before the shift to the Vietman manufacturing facility were solidly built

[virgindog]

It's 311430056 and it has a "Made in China" sticker.

You're right about Trabens, or at least the ones I've played. This one's really solid.

[Lee H]

wow...I have never messed with one that did not have a 5 piece neck. I am sorry to tell you this, but you either have one of the later ones known for QC issues, or you have a knock off

I have never even dealt with one with serial numbers applied with a sticker. Plus all the trabens I have played have come with grover tuners
One of these is a chaos (serial number T00258), the other is a factory custom phoenix (very early models or custom shop basses did not have serial numbers)



center one is a neck-through Kore model (not to be confused with the later Core models, spelled with a C). it is serial number T00059

[virgindog]

Hmmmm..... I just checked my other Traben, it's got the 5-piece neck and a stamped serial number. So I might have a knock-off, but it's a really good one. Any other Traben experts recognize this?

[Lee H]

not a lot of traben love here

although have seen traben array bridges on ebay for sale recently, (one batch of 9 for $40 and another batch of 6 for $35) I cannot find anything funny about that body


I would not rule out the possibility of a replacement neck. I was told that Hanser will not currently sell you a traben neck, but instead a BC Rich neck that would fit..that is a possible explanation for the used stamp on the back of the headstock. ...

are you sure this bass was new when you got it?

[PersonalTraynor]

I believe its a genuine Traben. Its one of the earlier Array models in flat black. they were the cheaper ones and never had a 5 piece neck.

the more expensive Arrays had 5 piece necks as well as flame or quilt tops.(worth 450 to 500 NEW)

[Lee H]

earlier ones had silver serial numbers, painted on..not stickers. The very early ones and the custom shops were USA made. They had no numbers at all, then they switched to Korean made. Very, few korean made ones had no serial numbers, so they are something of a novelty to find. Then Hanser decided to utilize their own serial number system, after surpassing the 6 digit Original Traben code mark. By this time, they were well passed the early ones.. Later Hnaser moved manufacturing to Vietnam

Prior to this Traben bragged profusely that EVERY traben bass had a 5 piece neck. Not some did, but all. This was a main bragging point on their website. Traben also bragged that all their basses came with grover tuners. The cheaper ones are post vietnam move

The black top is a later hanser idea. All early trabens had veneers, and transparent finishes over basswood or other inexpensive wood bodies. The black synthetic nut is also a post vietnam item, early ones had chromed brass nuts...with a very few having chrome over plastic

[virgindog]

Hmmmm..... (again). I'm with PersonalTraynor. I think it's an early Traben. Aside from the neck (and the extra string), it's identical to my 4-string.

However, without the 5-piece neck, it's probably not worth what I thought it was. So I'll either lower the price or just keep it. It's too nice a bass to sit in the closet, but it's also too nice a bass sell cheap. Let me sleep on it.

Thanks for your input!

[Lee H]

Ok ABSOLUTELY NOT an early one. There is no chance of that. tuners are placed wrong in the headstock and ALL early ones had grover tuners.

. Both of the headstocks I posted are early, and they are typical of early trabens. If you would like me to take a pic of the back of my Kore 5 headstock (serial number 59), I can do so, to show how the tuners are staggered, and that they are undoubtedly grover tuners

Like I said before, IF it is a real traben, it is a later model. Please research the 5 piece neck thing. You will see why I say that

[virgindog]

OK, after some research and Lee H's help, I can't say for sure if this is a real Traben or a copy. I'm taking it off the market for now but may put it back after I get some clarification.

Thanks for your interest!