Double Bass Double Bass Identification Help!

[CliftonGrange]

Someone local-ish is selling this bass as part of an estate sale, to me it looks like a ~60’s shop bass but that’s all I could figure out. Owner says it’s a 5/8 Carved German bass and that’s all he knows. Looks like it’s got a Romberg angle on the fingerboard to me. Anyone have any ideas on what it might be? Thanks!

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

You’re right, it’s a midcentury shop bass. The ribs look decently deep.

 

[eh_train]

Hi CG,

It looks German (or Czech), and possibly a bit earlier than 1960s. The condition looks good, but to me the varnish looks unusual - is it refinished? Unfortunately, the photos aren't good enough quality, or close-up enough, to say much more. I can't even see an edge close enough to tell if it's a carved top. Maybe ask the seller for better photos? IMO, both the finish and the smaller size (if it is a 5/8) could reduce the value.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[BobDeRosa]

How much are they asking for it?

 

[CliftonGrange]

How much are they asking for it?

$2800

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

For a half-size with no provenance or papers? Pure fantasy in this market.

 

[CliftonGrange]

Thought I’d update - took a look at it this past Sunday, it’s got a small open seam at the bottom and a really shallow crack in the top but nothing too significant, 39” scale length but it rings like a bell. It would need some work and new strings for sure, but he moved down to $2600. Thoughts? He said he’d hold it for a week so I have some time to decide but still not sure and want to hear some thoughts. I think it could be a nice solo/gigging jazz bass due to the size and tone. I’ll add a better picture I took of the top. It hasn’t been refinished, the pictures are just awful. No tag on the inside either.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

The shape of the button looks like a Rauner, import brand like Juzek.

 

[Anne Millington]

Is it possible for you to take it to a luthier to have it checked out, and get a sense of the value? For $2600 in these times, it might well be worth spending a bit to have it looked at. The fact that it sounds good is definitely a good start.

 

[eh_train]

...It hasn’t been refinished, the pictures are just awful....

CG, Is that your 'better' pic of the top? If yes, that *definitely* looks like a not-great refinish.

Also, you need a pic of the edge (where the top and side meets) if you want to know whether the top is solid. I see a repair on the lower treble side that makes me think solid top, but you really need to confirm this. A ply top is worth about a half what a solid top is worth.

Altogether, though, you have a repaired and refinished smaller bass. You need to have a luthier look inside to see the quality of the repairs and, imo, you need to think carefully about that asking price...