Austrian Double Bass for Sale - Franz Feilnreiter ca. 1864

[BPbass]

Beautiful antique double bass made by Austrian luthier Franz Feilnreiter ca. 1864 $9500.00 o.b.o

Pics available at: http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz22/bpbass/


+ Classic Viennese shape with narrow shoulders, 3/4 size, gamba corners, and slightly swelled back
+ Warm, singing tone - particularly in high register
+ Easy to play (42’’ string length) and professionally set up by Robertson and Sons, the best in the business!
+ Beautifully restored “hat-peg style” ebony tuners
+ Fantastic instrument for talented high-schoolers, college studies, recitals and beyond!

Recent work Summer ‘09 includes:
+ New Endpin, New bridge w/ adjusters
+ New sound post, fingerboard dress, and set-up
+ All work by Robertson and Sons Violins of Albuquerque, NM

Bass is set up and ready to go for classical playing although it would make a wonderful jazz bass as well!

This instrument is being sold by a professional local symphony musician and would make a perfect Xmas gift for that aspiring bassist at any level

Hurry and check out this vintage instrument at an extremely affordable price!

Call 817-565-0187 or email soon!

Located in Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex

Thanks, Brian

[BPbass]

Originally Posted by bassist14

are you sure this is

- an austrian bass?
- a "Classic Viennese" bass?
- a feilnreiter?
- from 1864?
- professionally repaired on the top?

1. It is a Viennese bass. It bears a label within that is not disputed by respected luthiers. I have uploaded a picture of this label with the others. Although not visible in the photo, there is a brand of "F.F." matching the exact gothic font of the F's on the label itself and straddling both the label and wood of the back, telling me and all those who looked at it that this is likely the original label. In fact it is more likely to be original than in most cases. Therefore, if it is from Feilnreiter's shop with a label from Vienna, it would be perfectly logical in my opinion to call it a "Viennese bass."

2. I refer to the "Classic Viennese" shape because of its slightly squared-off, narrow shoulders and gamba shape. It also features a very slightly swelled back. It is true that the pictures came out somewhat distorted making the upper bouts seem wider than they are, however, they are indeed quite narrow- much more than the lower ones. This shape is consistent with Viennese masters such as Thir and is still being copied today by makers like Gyorgy Baranyai. Perhaps you have a different opinion, but I think I, and more importantly others, know what I'm talking about.

3. A Feilnreiter? See answer no. 1. I have had it personally looked at by Robertson and Sons and they don't seem to dispute that. Perhaps your opinion is different when judging from pictures over a computer monitor somewhere in Germany, but I'm going to go ahead and go with the reputable shop's opinion until I have reason to believe otherwise.

4. From 1864? Again see no. 1. I suppose the scroll and tuners are probably not original, but this is so common. I feel confident about the other parts, though. Before we pounce, let's take a step back and remember I'm not selling a Panormo here.

5. Repairs - You and Mr. Warburton mentioned these. I have only owned this instrument a few months. I bought two at one time and decided to part with one. It had major set-up issues when I received it and some less than aesthetically pleasing repairs thorughout its life. From what I gather it spent some time in Hong Kong and the repairs aren't very pretty, particularly to the upper bout. HOWEVER - this is an old bass for under 10k! I've also seen much uglier basses in far worse shape from this period. That is why it is priced this way. Most shops are selling basses like this these days for around 12k. Plus, Feilnreiter is a respectable name described in several makers books. All of the repairs that you see were made before it was in my possession. The only work I have done is put money into a high quality set-up from Robertson's and made sure everything was solid and in good working order. I'm a professional bassist - this is what I do and I want someone else to enjoy it. If it made since to make some of those prior repairs pretty I would have (See: $9500 o.b.o), but the bass sounds great and, just like me, probably won't matter much to someone else who likes it.

Hopefully this addresses some of your issues. Thanks.

[Eric Hochberg]

Seriously, maybe this bass is all you think it is, but it looks to me like a typical German shop bass from the 20th century (which doesn't mean it's not a great bass and worth every penny of your asking price). I'm no expert, but I certainly understand why Bassist14 posted as he did. Send the pic link to Ken Smith at smithbassforums.com. He is very knowledgeable and it would be interesting to hear what he has to say.

[dchan]

Originally Posted by bassteban

bassist14's questions seemed to me to be completely innocuous; did he use all caps & then delete or something? Just curious. Furthermore, I appreciate the public discourse- it can help inform those of us who admittedly know little about real basses.

Public discourse is always nice, but this is a "for sale" thread. IMO, discussion about the bass should be limited to the other forum sections. Otherwise, we could just directly question the validity of any ad we wanted to.

[Jason Sypher]

Well, it's an interesting bass. Outside linings. Etc. Did you get an estimate from Robertsons? What do they appraise the bass to be worth? I think you're getting some ribbing because the price isn't consistent with basses from that region, from that time. Usually you're talking more like 35K and up. The scroll and neck are certainly not original but still, if it is what the label says it is, it could be a nice deal. Good luck with that.

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by dchan

Public discourse is always nice, but this is a "for sale" thread. IMO, discussion about the bass should be limited to the other forum sections. Otherwise, we could just directly question the validity of any ad we wanted to.

Agreed. Thread cleaned. As always, it will be the buyer's responsibility to check into any purchase. I think the name of Robertson's shop is enough of a reference in case anyone wanted to check further.

[Ed Fuqua]

Horsie?

[Mike Arnopol]

To be honest, it is a bit unusual for a Viennese bass of tha type. Many characteristics that I see in that vintage Viennese bass aren't there. Often I'll see ribs flush with the top, but more so the typical Viennese scroll. But that being said, there was so much crossover between styles that I would never be so presumptious or arrogant to make a conclusive statement. Looks like a nice bass at a good price. I'd have to get under thag top with a mirror, though. Bass bar cracks scare me.

[bassist14]

Originally Posted by ehochberg

.....Send the pic link to Ken Smith at smithbassforums.com. He is very knowledgeable and it would be interesting to hear what he has to say.

+1

[tonequixote]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Horsie?

As in beating a dead one ?

[Ed Fuqua]

Flayed Horsqua, at yer cervix!

[Jason Sypher]

Yeah, take it over to Ken Smith but, be prepared, he may skin you alive. Or, he may agree with you? Who knows but he loves this kind of thing.
Equus?

[Eric Hochberg]

Ken Smith sent me his opinion, unsolicited by me, as he saw this thread and wanted to respond. If any one is interested, join smithbassforums.com and I'm sure Ken will send it to you or post it on the forum.