Double Bass bass detectivs needed

[bassrad]

Hello all,

Today I saw this bass for sale for only 999.00 Canadian. The owner does not know much about it, but talkbass might.

It has a label that is made in Western Germany, plywood ebonised rosewood fingerboard and maple tail piece.

Here is a couple of pics that he did post.

Thanks for your help

 

[bassrad]

And one more photo.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Circa 1950s German shop bass. I have one that is very similar with nicer veneers. Upton Bass in Connecticut recently sold a bass similar to mine for $3500.

 

[drurb]

Circa 1950s German shop bass. I have one that is very similar with nicer veneers. Upton Bass in Connecticut recently sold a bass similar to mine for $3500.

Ply for $3500? Would really have to be something special.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

That's what they were asking. I have no idea what was actually paid. Bill Merchant told me mine was worth $3500 on the NYC market, so take from that what you will.

 

[drurb]

That's what they were asking. I have no idea what was actually paid. Bill Merchant told me mine was worth $3500 on the NYC market, so take from that what you will.

Sounds like it's something special.

 

[Jason Sypher]

Looks like a Laurel or something similar. I wouldn't spend more than 2K on that unless it sounded amazing. For 3.5k you can get a nice old Amercan Standard that will sound great or even a new American Standard that sounds great and plays perfectly. Or you could get a lovely new or used Shen. Unless it's carved, that doesn't represent a good value.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Sounds like it's something special.

Pizz tone sucks but for $250 I can't complain.

 

[Jason Sypher]

I'm sorry, I missed the actual price (999.00). Sure, it's probably worth that. I would still look at a Shen before one of those German shop plys.

 

[MR PC]

Why?

 

[Jason Sypher]

I've never played a German
Ply that sounded like much. They all seem kind of dead. On the other hand I've played quite a few Shens that sounded pretty lively.

 

[Mesa]

Looks just like my bass. I'm sure quality levels vary, but my bass, strung w/ Spirocore Weichs, really projects and has a really nice tone. Great for a ply, no doubt.

 

[antkiller]

Looks like a Laurel or something similar. I wouldn't spend more than 2K on that unless it sounded amazing. For 3.5k you can get a nice old Amercan Standard that will sound great or even a new American Standard that sounds great and plays perfectly. Or you could get a lovely new or used Shen. Unless it's carved, that doesn't represent a good value.

New American Standard?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I've never played a German
Ply that sounded like much. They all seem kind of dead.

If you find yourself near Albany with some time to kill, please let me know, as you should play my bottom of the barrel Wilfer ply. It's a funky little student bass that has no right to sound as good as it does.

 

[Jason Sypher]

Cool. I would love that.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

New American Standard?

He meant AES' New Standard Cleveland.

 

[antkiller]

http://www.newstandardbass.com/cleveland.htm

Nice, a little pricey. Looks just like my A.S.

 

[Jack Clark]

As far as dating it is concerned, best remember that "Western Germany" is not the same thing as "West Germany." There was a Western Germany long before WWII and there still is.