Rumano Solano with chromatic "C" extension

Jeremy Darrow · #1 02-09-2013, 01:35 PM

I'm selling my 1998 Panormo model by Rumano Solano. It has a two-piece top of extremely tight, straight grained spruce of exceptional quality. Back, sides, neck and scroll of maple; with the back showing nice flame. The bass has original Sloane brass tuning gears and an added chromatic C-extension from the David Gage shop. Two top luthiers have expressed that this bass is an example of Mr. Solano's best work. From Dustin Williams' recent appraisal and description 'Overall, this bass is one of the finest we have seen of Mr. Solano.' This is a wonderful playing and sounding bass that is ready for a new home. After inspection the bass was judged to be in excellent health. Appraisal from Dustin Williams is included with sale. Current appraisal value is $19,500, I'm asking $14,000, including a Mooradian deluxe cover.

Jeremy Darrow · #2 02-10-2013, 09:17 AM

Some pictures. Sorry about the glare.

chicagodoubler · #3 02-13-2013, 07:54 PM

Bump for an excellent bass. My orchestral bass is her older sister.

Jeremy Darrow · #4 02-15-2013, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the bump!

If anyone is interested, it might be possible for me to get the bass to ISB in June.

bbrophy · #5 02-16-2013, 12:09 PM

Can you please post dimensions of this bass?
Also where is it located right now? I am looking for an instrument of this level and am in PA , NJ , NYC area.

Jeremy Darrow · #6 02-16-2013, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbrophy

Can you please post dimensions of this bass?
Also where is it located right now? I am looking for an instrument of this level and am in PA , NJ , NYC area.

Sure,

String Length: 41 1/2 inches

Body Length (from top of the button): 45 1/2 inches

Width at Upper Bout: 21 inches

at C Bout: 14 1/2 inches

at Lower Bout: 27 inches

Rib Depth at Upper Block: 6 3/4 inches

at Lower Bout: 8 1/2 inches

"D" neck

This bass is currently in Nashville, but I have family in the Philadelphia area and I visit there periodically. I could arrange a trip to show the bass if you are seriously interested.

Jeremy Darrow · #7 02-21-2013, 07:05 AM

Here's a fun bit of the history of this bass. At one point the bass was in the shop at Williams Fine Violins here in Nashville, I think it was getting a little set up work and it was going to be there for a few days. Edgar Meyer came in, he's an occasional customer at Williams, and he was in urgent need of a new grip for one of his tuners. It so happens that his bass and my bass have the same model Sloane tuners on them. The folks at the shop called David Gages shop for a replacement grip (it's easy to replace parts on Sloane tuners), which was shipped immediately, but Mr. Meyer needed to get his tuner situation resolved immediately. So, they took took the part that was needed from my bass, installed it on his, and off he went. A day or two later the new part arrives, they antiqued it a bit to match the patina on the other tuners and install it on my bass. When I came to pick up my bass, they told me the story and pointed out my new tuner grip.

So, Edgar has never played this bass, or even seen it as far as I know. But, a part of this bass is still on his bass, as far as I know.

Jeremy Darrow · #8 02-25-2013, 02:06 PM

A few weeks ago, the soundpost on the bass was trimmed and adjusted. The adjustment has settled in and the bass sounds better than ever. So I'm raising the asking price to $1,600 to reflect the improved tone.

Kidding. Still asking $14,000. But the bass DOES sound and play better than it ever has.

Jeremy Darrow · #9 03-25-2013, 07:40 PM

I would also consider a trade, or partial trade in either direction for a bass with slightly smaller proportions.

Jeremy Darrow · #10 04-16-2013, 06:06 PM

Price drop to $12,500 to reflect current market.

Jeremy Darrow · #11 04-17-2013, 01:37 PM

A bit more of the history of this bass:

When the bass was still new, it suffered a crack in the top that required a top-off repair. The work was done at David Gages shop. The repair is nearly invisible from the outside, and the last luthier to look inside the bass (just a month or two ago) commented on the high quality of the work. Since that repair, the bass has only needed two routine seam closures and a minor saddle repair. I'm mentioning this because Rumano's work is known for being inconsistent. I think that this bass had its problems sorted out early, and is perfectly stable now.

Bluelephant4 · #12 04-29-2013, 11:56 PM

I love how this one looks.. Just much to expensive for me!

chicagodoubler · #13 04-30-2013, 02:30 AM

How is this bass still around? I just played her sister in a section next to some very expensive old French and Italian instruments, and she got compliments all around. This model has enough volume to drive a section, and shoulders narrow enough for solo work as well. I can also attest to the build quality from these girls. I've never had a single issue with mine besides some seams.

Jeremy Darrow · #14 05-01-2013, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

How is this bass still around? I just played her sister in a section next to some very expensive old French and Italian instruments, and she got compliments all around. This model has enough volume to drive a section, and shoulders narrow enough for solo work as well. I can also attest to the build quality from these girls. I've never had a single issue with mine besides some seams.

I'm not sure why it hasn't sold yet, I don't any think basses are selling very fast right now. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying playing the bass. I recently invested in a really nice bow, and the new bow has caused the bass to open up a lot. I put Spirocores back on it this weekend, the pizz sounds nice and growly and the clarity in the arco is really great.

If it takes a year or two to sell, I won't be upset about it.