Amazing American Standard

paulunger · #1 08-05-2008, 10:04 AM

This bass is from the first year that American Standards were produced. You would be hard pressed to find an older one than this. These basses are limited in number and are very sought after for their incredible sound and craftsmanship.

This bass is labeled #320. I haven't seen one with this low of a production number for sale in a very long time. This bass is in amazing condition and plays better than any other American Standard or New Standard I have ever seen. It still has the original finish, original neck and original tuners. I have seen much newer American Standards that have had the finish redone and/or entirely new necks put on them selling for $5,000 - $6,000. This bass still has the ORIGINAL NECK, ORIGINAL TUNERS and the ORIGINAL FINISH!

I have had significant work done by one of the best luthiers around - Michael Hartery. Michael reinforced the neck block and increased the overstand to make playing in and out of thumb position easier. He also put on a new, highest quality, ebony fingerboard and reduced the string length to 42". A new bridge, tailpiece and endpin have also been added.

I used this bass as a solo jazz bass, it plays like butter and is very easy on the left hand - much easier to play than other American Standards or new standards (IMHO). This bass is as easy to play as my 5/8 size Italian solo bass. This bass is also the LOUDEST bass I have ever owned. I almost never need an amp.
Given all the work I have had done, it's great condition, the sound, playability and rarity, I am asking $5,900.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions, want more information or for more pictures.

Louispious · #2 08-18-2008, 06:21 AM

Hi:
I'm wondering how you were able to shorten the scale length two inches without replacing the neck? I can't really tell from your photo, but it looks like the bridge is in its proper place. Is there a false nut on the fingerboard?

paulunger · #3 08-18-2008, 06:30 AM

Original scale length was 43". To shorten the scale length there was a 1/2" false nut installed and the bridge was moved forward. There was no change in the sound and it would be very easy to go back to the original scale length, if one desired.