Wanted: Church Bass

[chris1125]

I'm looking for a church bass, if anybody has a bass or any leads please let me know. The reason you ask? I play in several string quartets and I get stuck playing cello parts. I want a smaller portable bass thay you can play in a chair, is tuned in fourths and is high quality. Definately wanting to keep it under $1,000 pre restoration.
Thanks

[harmonicon]

I've still never played one, but I'm also fascinated by church basses. However, I seriously doubt it will sound anything like what you're used to. I don't care about those things like purists do, but since you're playing classical music... well.

Some time ago (as in, a year or two, I think) I was emailing with Kolstein, and he said they had a church bass in the shop that had been converted to be strung and played in a conventional way. The price was around 10k. I would have followed up on it, but getting over to the US hasn't happened since.

I remember that the Cincinnati bass cellar had one in unrestored condition around that same time - I can't remember at all what the price was.

All of that said, check these out:
Historical Index
Musurgia - Fine, Rare & Peculiar Musical Instruments

They do also come up on ebay from time to time. Trolling around there the other day I did see this interesting "cello":
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Good luck!

[chris1125]

Those are a little out d my price range but thanks, I don't know how effective it would be but I'm sir it could be a fun project if kept inexpensive. Still looking.
Thanks
Chris

[Kevinlee]

I have a Meisel carved bass for sale sounds and plays great. I live in Phx, AZ and if you find out the shipping charge I will definately keep the price under $1000 that's including shiping. I've played this bass for 15 years and had it set up professionally. Has adjustabe bridge as well. If you go to myspace kevin pate I think it should be the first link, if you scroll down the page near the bottom there are 3 or 4 videos where you can hear me playing and see the bass.

it really is a great sounding bass but I am moving and need to come up with cash asap.
Let me know
My email is kevinleepate@yahoo.com or you can send a private message here or just respond to this link

[dbassnut]

You could consider an electric upright bass. I currently using an NS NXT in church & it bows well. Just need to get a decent amp.

[Matt Ides]

Hi Chris. This might sound a bit silly, but have you thought about a 1/4 sized bass? Larger than a cello, but you can def sit while playing.

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Originally Posted by dbassnut

You could consider an electric upright bass. I currently using an NS NXT in church & it bows well. Just need to get a decent amp.

He doesn't mean a bass to play in church. A church bass is a small instrument that was played along with the choir in New England churches back in the colonial days. The choirs weren't trained singers, so they needed a reference point to stay on pitch.

[crowsmengegus]

There's one on ebay right now. A Prescott.

Very old Abraham Prescott Church bass, Deerfield NH early 1800's | eBay

I'll send a PM.

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Fantastic scroll.