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Double Bass Can you tell me about this DB?

Barbaric.Eric

Barbaric.Eric

Jan 30, 2015
511
701
Moosehat, Saskatchatoon
bigdurty.bandcamp.com
#1
Hey gang,
A family friend is purging some things and part of that purge is a double bass that's being offered for really cheap. I know it's not anything special, but are any of you guys able to tell me about this (good things, bad things, areas that will need repair, overall size, brand, general info)?

Image-6.jpg


I've already asked ahead and I literally have no info other than this one photo, no stickers, no stamps, nil. And I have zero knowledge beyond electric basses so I don't really know what I'm looking at here.

I've always wanted to try double bass so maybe this would be a good foot in the door since they can get very expensive, very quick when purchasing from a music shop but I also don't have much space in my current home (a basement) so I can't just be buying this just because it's available.

Thanks in advance,
E
 
#5
Peck_Time said:
If you can’t see it in person, (preferably with a double-bass player with you), my advice would be to leave it alone!

Even if it was free and had no major issues, the cost of making it playable and not an ornament might be hundreds of dollars more than it’s worth.

Just my 2 cents
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Unfortunately I don't have a DB playing friend close, and with this being located back home near my parents, I likely won't see it in person until I stop by to purchase it. The price is definitely right even if it's just to strip it for parts, but then again I don't know what I'm looking at and if the tuning machines, bridge, etc would be worth the trip and hassle. Regardless, thanks for the advice.
 
#6
Barbaric.Eric said:
It's definitely unique. I've never seen such a light wood used on a DB, it almost looks unstained (aside from the stain you mentioned haha). Thanks for chiming in :)
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It may have had the finish sanded off to match the decore around it. Not having a lacquered finish will free the wood to vibrate a bit. The fingerboard appears to be maple which will give you a warmer tone. The bridge looks like the slots might be cut way deep.
I would request more pictures etc. There may be a mark on the tail piece or the heel that someone here recognize..
 
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#8
DonaldFraser said:
It may have had the finish sanded off to match the decore around it. Not having a lacquered finish will free the wood to vibrate a bit. The fingerboard appears to be maple which will give you a warmer tone. The bridge looks like the slots might be cut way deep.
I would request more pictures etc. There may be a mark on the tail piece or the heel that someone here recognize..
Click to expand...

True, the bridge does look cut pretty deep. Man, I wish I had the opportunity to see it in person, and it's strung so plucking around a few notes would be helpful too. Is the tailpiece generally where branding and factory markings are usually found on DBs? Similar to how an acoustic usually has the sticker inside the sound hole?
 
#13
True, but I also re-stained it to avoid those issues. I just didn’t like the plastic looking lacquer finish. I know better than to leave wood completely untreated:thumbsup:
Ed Fuqua said:
It also frees the wood to greater adverse reaction to weather, humidity and temperature. All of which can lead to cracks (on a carved bass) and delamination (on a plywood bass).
Click to expand...
 
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