Double Bass Revisiting This Bass

[People's Cowboy]

So, I posted about this bass a few years back, and am sort of revisiting the idea of having this bass fixed up (not by me).

I've taken it to several luthiers in the Midwest, and have been told by several people that it might be from the 1780-1840s, possibly from the Southern Austria or Northern Italy region. One luthier thought it might be a church bass or Prescott bass, but it doesn't look like any I've seen.

My issue, other than the mystery, is that this instrument is kind of small for me, I'm 6'3" with big hands. The instrument is 60" in full height (not including the chair-leg post), and has a rough scale length of 33-34".

And, if I did get it all set up (which would take some months and a lot of money), would I be able to sell it for what I put into it? I'm very curious to hear how it sounds, but if it's too weird to play in Viennese tuning, what the two luthiers think it was tuned in, is there someone out there who might be interested in it.

Initially, I'd think I'd restore it as a three-string just to try to maintain the integrity before I go changing it. I play roots music and a little jazz, and am not classically trained. Although I thought putting some gut strings on it and playing some "wolfy" Tom Waits-y kind of stuff with it, or putting steel strings and maybe play some variation on some Ron Carter piccolo bass.


Does anyone know any Baroque instrument groups or forums or someone who might be interested in this?

Thanks!

(More photos to come in this thread.)

 

[People's Cowboy]

 

[People's Cowboy]

 

[People's Cowboy]

 

[People's Cowboy]

 

[People's Cowboy]

 

[People's Cowboy]

 

[vejesse]

I think your evaluations so far might be a bit off. What gave anyone who looked at this the impression that this ISN'T a standard issue, 1/2 size, factory grade South German bass ca. 1900?

 

[People's Cowboy]

Well, vejesse, I'm trying to figure that out. What gave you that impression? Do you have any resources you can point me towards?

The people who have looked at it already have pointed at the construction on the inside namely that the bass bar is carved into the sound board in a particular way, the type of tuners, and the use of the particular woods- possibly boxwood. And though, the 3-string aspect is not out of the question, many companies made 3-stringers up to the early 20th century, I'm told; it could point to something older.

But if you know of something else, I'd appreciate any information.

Also, do you think it's worth restoring?

 

[TroyK]

PC, I see that you own a Kay. Would you be restoring this bass a player or for historical purposes or just what? Just wondering if it was meant to replace your Kay or had some other purpose. Would you keep it a 3 string?

I think in general, assuming some things based on your influences, a 1/2 sized bass is not going to displace a 3/4 bass, no matter how old or carved. There is a 1/2 sized bass that is floating around my family, it was the first bass I saw or played and it's got great sentimental value to me. If it was ever offered to me it would be hard to pass up, but I can't see myself ever using it as my working instrument and can't imagine deciding to play it at home or for any special projects as long as I had my regular Saturday night girl.

If you were thinking of using it for chamber music or had some other ideas, then any old instrument is worth restoring given the right context.

I don't have an eye for dating it from pics. I'll let others do that, but would be inclined to trust someone who looked inside of it and made informed remarks.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I'm very curious to hear how it sounds, but if it's too weird to play in Viennese tuning, what the two luthiers think it was tuned in, is there someone out there who might be interested in it.

From my understanding Viennese tuning was used on basses fitted with frets and either four or five strings, never three. The most common tunings for three string basses were ADG (UK and Italy) GDA (France) and GDG. I have two British method books from the late 1800's that are for a three string bass tuned GDG.

- Steve

 

[vejesse]

Did anyone mention specific details that would indicate this bass could actually be from 1780?

I'd recommend posting these images on the Ken Smith site for more info.

 

[People's Cowboy]

Well, therein lies the rub. I'd like to restore it for posterity and curiosity- were money no object. Which, of course, it always is.

If it ended up being something I liked playing- and enjoyed the sound, then it'd be worth it. But since it is kinda funky, I'd like to have a backup plan. So I'm wondering who might be interested in this, were it restored.

I'm trying to find chamber groups and luthiers to gauge interest.

Thanks!

 

[TroyK]

Yep, therein lies the rub. Unless money is not an issue or you determine that this is a good investment for resell...

Looking at what you own and who you reference as influences, I just can't imagine it displacing your current bass. If you're ready to go from your Kay to something old and carved, but use it for the same purpose, I don't think this is the bass.

If it's a side thing or has a different purpose, maybe that's different.

It could be a good instrument for the right person with the right needs. Knowing nothing about you except what's in your profile, I just doubt that it's you (or me for that matter).

Agree that posting on Ken Smith's site is a good idea, Ken and co. have a good eye for this sort of thing and understand history mo betta sometimes.