Likely German or Czech (based on the purfling pattern on the back), this beautiful bass is over 100 years old and still going strong. An excellent instrument for any genre of music, this bass features a blooming low end, defined midrange and a singing solo voice. Generous thumb position access and all ebony fittings, including the classy top-hat tuners.
It’s said that you can judge the quality of an upright bass on the attention to detail on the scroll, and this instrument has a unique, expertly crafted frame-like motif, the only one like it that I’ve ever seen. The separation on the back piece (as seen in picture) has since been fixed and the soundpost has been reset. No rattles, loose noises, etc—just great tone. Finish appears to be—if not original—very old. There are some coloration inconsistencies on the ribs. The maple neck, back and ribs have beautiful and consistent figuring throughout, and the purfling emblem near the heel is a nice, elegant touch. Bass bar, soundpost and all internal elements are healthy.
I’ve gigged with it professionally for a while and it has proven to be consistent, well mannered on boomy stages and tonally well-received by audience, engineer and band alike. At some point in its life, this bass had a neck reset from a break at the neck joint—it is finely repaired and solid. No maker markings on the interior. This instrument is sold with a bass bag—pictured quiver and pickup not included.
$7,000
Located 2hrs NE of San Francisco, CA.
It’s said that you can judge the quality of an upright bass on the attention to detail on the scroll, and this instrument has a unique, expertly crafted frame-like motif, the only one like it that I’ve ever seen. The separation on the back piece (as seen in picture) has since been fixed and the soundpost has been reset. No rattles, loose noises, etc—just great tone. Finish appears to be—if not original—very old. There are some coloration inconsistencies on the ribs. The maple neck, back and ribs have beautiful and consistent figuring throughout, and the purfling emblem near the heel is a nice, elegant touch. Bass bar, soundpost and all internal elements are healthy.
I’ve gigged with it professionally for a while and it has proven to be consistent, well mannered on boomy stages and tonally well-received by audience, engineer and band alike. At some point in its life, this bass had a neck reset from a break at the neck joint—it is finely repaired and solid. No maker markings on the interior. This instrument is sold with a bass bag—pictured quiver and pickup not included.
$7,000
Located 2hrs NE of San Francisco, CA.
