Hello - Metal string basses?

[Thom Golub]

Hey everyone,

My name's Thom and I'm from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I'm a proffesional bass player. My main instrument is the double bass though I double on electric bass too.

Has anyone heard of the sheet metal string basses the Canadian (American too?) forces used during WW2? I'm really interested in tracking one or two down. One as a playing instrument and one for a project an associate and I are in the planning stages of. I saw one in for repair in Edmonton about a year ago at a music shop here - so I know they exist - and the only wood on them is the fingerbaord!

If anyone has any info on these interesting instruments - from history of to selling - I'd sure appriciate it.

All best,

Thom

[Mike Goodbar]

There have been few threads on this subject. Search under "Aluminum." I seem to remember someone posting pics of an aluminum bass made by the Ford Motor Company!

[Groove Theory]

Hey Thom, welcome to TB, you might wanna check out Upton's site, I believe they have an aluminum bass up for sale, as well as a little history on them. Here's the link....

http://uptonbass.com/catalog/product...roducts_id/390

There ya go. Take it easy man.