Double Bass Chaki D1 - Made in Japan

[NZ_Pierre]

Hello

Looking for any info around this bass please that I am considering buying from my son. (Student Bass to be used for Jazz)

Apparently an older plywood bass from the 1970's that was made in Japan with a 'Chaki D1' label, 3/4 size. Anyone seen one before ? Luckily we are not afraid of a project and the plan is to replace the strings (recommendations ???), possibly replace the bridge if we can't straighten that warping and fix the little ding.

The good news is that it's local and not too expensive. Any input much appreciated.

 

[Brent Nussey]

These are all over the place in Japan. Chaki was in business from 1947-2017. The D-1 was a lower end model, and when the C-1 was discontinued in the mid 70's, it became the lowest model in the line. It's exactly as you say, a student model plywood bass. The instruments of that time, there are some gems and some dogs. Hope this is a good one.

Here's a little something about them. 《Chaki D-1(1971)》資料［2-4］｜東保光Hikaru Toho

 

[PBandJazzBass]

A lot of well built plywood basses are good for beginners. The most important thing I would recommend is taking it to a professional luthier (who specializes in orchestral string instruments, not guitar!) to make sure it’s properly set up. If it does need a new bridge, that could end up costing a few hundred dollars, so you may want to factor that into the sale price. A good set up may not be cheap but it can make a big difference in playability.

As far as strings, Thomastik Spirocore are kind of the “standard” for jazz and are also popular with some classical bassists. I’ve gone back and forth on recommending starting with the Weichs (light) or Regulars (Mittel/medium). I don’t think you could go wrong with either, but finding the right gauge can take some experimenting. If money’s an issue and you need to get something cheaper, D’Addario Helicore (either the Hybrids or Pizzicatos) are an option, though they probably won’t last as long as Spiros.

 

[NZ_Pierre]

Thanks for the info and advice.

Yes, were factoring the cost of some decent strings and possibly a new bridge. We plan on fitting them ourselves since availability of luthiers and double basses for that matter in our neck of woods (New Zealand) are pretty hard to come by.

 

[evanrunyon]

Where in NZ are you at? A former classmate of mine plays in the Christchurch Symphony and I’d be happy to ask who she goes to when she needs work done.

 

[Chris204T]

You are not going to have the skills to fit a new bridge. This is not a DIY job, and should be left to a professional bass luthier.

 

[RSBBass]

As Chris204T says above, fitting a bridge is a rather involved job that involves more than just getting the feet to fit the top (not the easiest job). it also involves some sizing of the bridge, notching for the strings, etc.

 

[TDAN]

Good advice on getting some professional help fitting the bridge. Maybe helpful to understand that bridge you buy isn’t really a part that you install but a blank that needs to be carved into the right shape

 

[Fender_Bender]

It looks like the radius of the top may be buckling ?.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Yeah, I’m also seeing slight belly sinkage under the bridge. For you, that bass may be better than no bass.

 

[NZ_Pierre]

Yeah, I’m also seeing slight belly sinkage under the bridge. For you, that bass may be better than no bass.

Yea good spotting. Shows up a bit with that high gloss finish which I don't particularly like ?

My son is going to have a look in person at the bass soon, unfortunately that's a long way from where I am, where he is at Uni.

Good call on that bass could well be better than no bass