Horst Grunert

koricancowboy · #1 12-07-2008, 09:33 PM

Hi everyone,

I just acquired a bass labeled Horst Grunert. It is in fair shape. I was given it it has been sitting in a room for years unused. The problem is it has two cracks. One on the left rib start near the heel of the neck. The other on the right bottom of the rib. They are both pretty big, about 9 - 10 inches long. There are also open seams which I will take care of. My question is, is it worth fixing or is it more than the bass is worth. Also, if it is how much can I expect to pay approxamately?

Thanks!!!

Peck_Time · #2 12-07-2008, 09:40 PM

Take it to a good bass luthier, and good luck!

Whisper · #3 12-07-2008, 09:50 PM

If it is a Horst Grunert, it's worth a lot. Have the repairs done right.

bonaventura · #4 12-07-2008, 10:06 PM

I play a Horst Gruenert bass. I've been to his workshop and seen his other basses. It is limited production all carved new and he also specializes in restoration work.

On the website you can compare the various Gruenert basses he now makes and get their measurements. Yours might be a bass he no longer makes but he will have a record of it.

My guess is you probably have a fine instrument, carved, and if you have to spend several thou$and fixing it up, it may be worth it compared to the price of a new Gruenert.

What year was the bass made?

koricancowboy · #5 12-07-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonaventura

t.

What year was the bass made?

The label says 1984

bonaventura · #6 12-07-2008, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koricancowboy

The label says 1984

You should be able to contact him and find out more about the bass if you want to.

But in your shoes I'd be happy...

Heifetzbass · #7 12-08-2008, 05:47 AM

Pics???

I have worked on a Gruenert. It was older and not the same caliber of bass that he makes now, but- I would still give it a thumbs up over a new Shen or Chinese bass.

Take it to a Luthier.

BG

koricancowboy · #8 12-21-2008, 12:31 AM

koricancowboy · #9 12-21-2008, 12:34 AM

So those are some pix of the bass. The cracks are as big as they seem. The corner is ripped off. I can pull the endpin right out (Gotz). There are two big seams open. Do you think the table needs to come off to do this right. If so how much does it cost (ballpark of course) and is it worth it?

ctregan · #10 12-21-2008, 06:32 AM

Have the top removed and do the repairs correctly.
If the seams are all ready opening up, the top may come off without much trouble.

Bring it to a professional luthier, you have a nice instrument there.

Eric Hochberg · #11 12-21-2008, 08:08 AM

I've had rib cracks fixed without taking off the top with no subsequent problems. If the top doesn't need to come off, it will be an inexpensive repair. You need to take it to a pro, and there are a number in Chicago. PM me if you need a recommendation.

Nice looking bass!

bonaventura · #12 12-23-2008, 10:53 AM

that's a fine looking bass. looks like the ones he calls tesore or maybe the panormo.

Paul Warburton · #13 12-23-2008, 11:16 AM

Many fine classical and jazz bassists play Horst's basses, including the great jazz bassist Michael Moore...most of these guys can have their pick of almost ANY bass out there....
Maybe that gives you a hint of what you got there.

phan · #14 12-23-2008, 06:11 PM

This might be one of Grunert´s earliest Panormo model basses or possibly a Lott. In the eighties these were among the most highly rated new basses in London played in top notch symphony orchestras. You have got a nice bass there.

LouisF · #15 12-23-2008, 08:42 PM

1) This from a London version of Craig's List:"Horst Grunert" Double Bass for Sale. John Lott Model 1982 no.16. Excellent Condition, with C-String "Prentice" extension in good working order, no buzzing." About $30,000

2) Robertson's has two of them listed in the $11,000 - $50,000 range. Take it to a good luthier and consider yourself lucky. Mark Sonksen, A440, Michele Fiore are the ones I know in the Chicago area. I'm sure Eric and others know more.

Louis

mheintz · #16 12-23-2008, 09:15 PM

Tangentially related, but definitely interesting: http://www.gruenert.com/pdf_dateien/double_bassist.pdf

bonaventura · #17 12-24-2008, 05:21 AM

thanks for the link to the article, mheintz. i've been to the Penzberg workshop 3 or 4 times, met wolfgang, seen the collection of new and old basses, the wood ageing in the yard... thanks. i didn't see it on his website until now.

interesting, it says he has a "special relationship" to the panormo, which explains the prevalence of that design/model in the gruenert basses. like the one koricancowboy now has.

i can't quote his latest price list, but i doubt you could buy a new one like this for less than 25 to 30 thou$and. this being a 1984 bass it's hard to say what it's worth. methinks in London just about everything is going to be expensive