This is a "Morelli"* I bought as a jazz bass in 1978 at Chuck Traeger's shop in New York City. The year written on the label appears to say "1924". This is a high-quality German shop bass. See dimensions below. It has a pretty long string length; this can be shortened by a luthier if desired. This bass has a big, deep, dark sound and would be a great orchestral as well as jazz bass. New fingerboard and bridge were installed recently. Currently set up with Spirocores and a Full Circle pickup. For added bonus, comes with a classic Joe's House of Sandals vinyl/leather case (circa 1980, in excellent condition)!
If you're someone looking for a large bass with a big sound, this might be the instrument for you.
From a professional appraisal done in 2018:
Dimensions
A.- Full Height - bottom of body to scroll: 74 1/2”
B- Body Height - bottom of body to shoulder: 46”
C - Scale Length - Nut to bridge, aka playable length, mensur: 43 1/4 ”
D - Upper Bout Width: 20 3/4”
E - Lower Bout Width: 26 34”
F - Scroll to Shoulder: 29"
*I've been told that "Andreas Morelli" is a trade name attributed to Karl Hermann in Markneukirchen. Same goes for "G. A. Pfretschner". For a more detailed discussion of these basses, see "Pfretzschner & Morelli" in Ken Smith's Bass Forums.
If you're someone looking for a large bass with a big sound, this might be the instrument for you.
From a professional appraisal done in 2018:
"There is a label inside that reads “Andreas Morelli, 1924” as well as a stamp bearing “G. A. Pfretschner, Markneukirchen”. There is also a repair label inside that reads “Andre Fantoni, 27 West 46th Street, New York 36, N.Y.”
The instrument is in good condition with some cosmetic marks and missing varnish. Also, there is a repair to the neck heel and scroll cutout for a C extension now removed".
Dimensions
A.- Full Height - bottom of body to scroll: 74 1/2”
B- Body Height - bottom of body to shoulder: 46”
C - Scale Length - Nut to bridge, aka playable length, mensur: 43 1/4 ”
D - Upper Bout Width: 20 3/4”
E - Lower Bout Width: 26 34”
F - Scroll to Shoulder: 29"
*I've been told that "Andreas Morelli" is a trade name attributed to Karl Hermann in Markneukirchen. Same goes for "G. A. Pfretschner". For a more detailed discussion of these basses, see "Pfretzschner & Morelli" in Ken Smith's Bass Forums.
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