This 5/8 size Czech bass (unknown maker) was renovated by David Gage String String Repair in 2008. It was appraised at the time for $7,500.00. My bass teacher, Mark Helias, knew I was looking for a nicer instrument (I was just graduating college) and he picked out this bass. Here's what he and I saw about the bass that drew us to it.
This bass has VIBE appeal. If you are a bass player who's looking to stick out with an instrument that is different you will like this bass. It sounds a little like a Juzak. Very unique, bright sound. It is a extremely light weight instrument but somehow doesn't sacrifice a big sound (great for the NY subway system!). The aged carved body (built sometime between world war I and II) is really good looking. It doesn't look brand new, but if you like the storied antique look, I think you'll find it's quite beautiful. Every mark tells a story you can figure out by studying the angles.
It sounds gorgeous with a bow, the neck feels great, and Gage installed a custom carbon endpin that helps boost the sound and never EVER slides, since it has two screws to grip the pin. Since buying it I've kept it well maintained and added some customizations. I had the fingerboard extended, had the tuning pegs replaced, and bassist John Beal installed a Cedar sound post for me that gives it a little more umph! In the summer of 2012 I had a new bridge installed by Upton Basses which I greatly prefer to the Gage bridge, and a Fishman full Circle pick-up. The gage realist pick-up goes under the foot and over time pulls the bridge out of position, but if the buyer would like the Gage set-up they can have that as well.
Let's see what else..
It's a flatback, Eb neck, 40 inch string length, the body is 41 Inches height, 8 inch ribs. This bass is a smart buy for the less then giant bass player out there. I'm also including all the gear I've accumulated in the sale of this bass.
the Cedar sound post $150 value
back up endpin $80 value
Gains Wheel $150 value
Mooradian bass case $300 value
Fishman pick-up $250 value
new strings (as of August 2012) $250 value
So the good news for you is once you buy the bass there won't be any other expenses.
I said the bass was appraised for $7,500.00 4 years ago. With my mods and today's market, it might be worth a little more. I am asking $6,400. If it doesn't sell soon, I'm putting it on consignment where the price will be higher so buy it while it's hot!!
Local pick-up only please (NYC NY), unless you can tell me how to ship it....
This bass has VIBE appeal. If you are a bass player who's looking to stick out with an instrument that is different you will like this bass. It sounds a little like a Juzak. Very unique, bright sound. It is a extremely light weight instrument but somehow doesn't sacrifice a big sound (great for the NY subway system!). The aged carved body (built sometime between world war I and II) is really good looking. It doesn't look brand new, but if you like the storied antique look, I think you'll find it's quite beautiful. Every mark tells a story you can figure out by studying the angles.
It sounds gorgeous with a bow, the neck feels great, and Gage installed a custom carbon endpin that helps boost the sound and never EVER slides, since it has two screws to grip the pin. Since buying it I've kept it well maintained and added some customizations. I had the fingerboard extended, had the tuning pegs replaced, and bassist John Beal installed a Cedar sound post for me that gives it a little more umph! In the summer of 2012 I had a new bridge installed by Upton Basses which I greatly prefer to the Gage bridge, and a Fishman full Circle pick-up. The gage realist pick-up goes under the foot and over time pulls the bridge out of position, but if the buyer would like the Gage set-up they can have that as well.
Let's see what else..
It's a flatback, Eb neck, 40 inch string length, the body is 41 Inches height, 8 inch ribs. This bass is a smart buy for the less then giant bass player out there. I'm also including all the gear I've accumulated in the sale of this bass.
the Cedar sound post $150 value
back up endpin $80 value
Gains Wheel $150 value
Mooradian bass case $300 value
Fishman pick-up $250 value
new strings (as of August 2012) $250 value
So the good news for you is once you buy the bass there won't be any other expenses.
I said the bass was appraised for $7,500.00 4 years ago. With my mods and today's market, it might be worth a little more. I am asking $6,400. If it doesn't sell soon, I'm putting it on consignment where the price will be higher so buy it while it's hot!!
Local pick-up only please (NYC NY), unless you can tell me how to ship it....
