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Double Bass Epiphone Upright Bass research questions

#141
What is the serial number and where was it located? Serial numbers can be located under the scroll head on the E side (look up), at the end of the finger board or at the end pin.
#4056 Between end pin and top

What is the model number? It can be located on the metal badge on the tail piece. Model numbers are B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5.
Unknown, no label or tailpiece badge.

Is your tail piece black, dark brown, blonde or highly flamed maple?
Black
What color is your bass?
Rust Brown, no sunburst.
What finish are your tuners? Brass, Bright nickel, Blacken nickel
Bright Nickel
Are your tuners etched? This is so far only a B5 characteristic
Tiny border around perimeter.

Does the bass have real Black/White/Black purfling, single black pin stripe or double black pin stripe?
Double black

Does it have a purfling "loop" on the back of the bass below the neck?
No
Any guess as to what year the bass was made…and this is a guess.
No clue but before 1969.

Any other notable characteristics to the bass?
Bass was purchased at Federal Surplus and was listed as a "Navy Bass", the top has been off and no label or marking were found at all. The only marks showing are the numbers at the end pin location.
 
#142
Howdy!

I would need to see pictures of this bass because the information does not add up to an Epiphone bass. The serial number is much too high of a number for its location. If you have a chance post them here or send me the pictures by e-mail and I see if I can help you…but I don’t think you have an Epiphone bass.

Enjoy the bass even if it isn’t an Epiphone. :)
 
#143
I am not worried if the bass is an Epi. I have to sell the instrument. I was just curious if it might be identified by the stamped numbers. It is a wonderful laminate, old and well voiced with a nice growl. Thanks for taking a look.
 

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#147
Hello vintage Epiphone upright bass players!

I have updated the Epiphone website with some new details, more print ads in the margins and have again adjusted the serial number “line in the sand” manufacture dates. With having over 300 basses now cataloged I wanted to say a BIG thank you for everyone’s helpful information and input for this research project.

It is also my humble pleasure to say the Epiphone upright bass serial numbers and model description have been quoted and published with my permission in the Gruhn's Guide To Vintage Guitars, the updated and Revised Third Edition, sited on pages 58 -59.

http://www.bassmonkey.net/epiphone.html

Thanks again yawl! I’ll post new updates as they are discovered.

:hyper:
 
#148
Hi MollyKay

I have an Epiphone that I have been playing for about 22 years, here in the Seattle area.

Here are some details.
  • The tailpiece shows its a B4
  • Dark Sunburst color
  • The number showing under the head scroll, by the E string, is 1632

Do you happen to know what year this was built? Please let me know if you need more info.
 

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#149
Thank you for the information, your bass has been cataloged with the other Epiphone basses. Your bass was manufactured late 1951 in Manhattan, NY right before the strike at Epiphone halted production in 1951. Your bass looks to be in really nice condition. Give it a hug from me and make joyful music.

For all you pre-war Gibson bass fans check out the website…hint, hint…something new is under construction for you!!! :hyper::hyper::hyper::hyper::cool:
 
#153
I have an Epiphone bass that I purchased in New York city in the late 90's. It has a sticker on the inside on the back that says Epiphone BV
Number 708

There's also a smaller sticker with the address 210 Bush St., Kalamazoo, MI

There's a somewhat blurry picture of the stickers here:

Link Removed

I'd be interested in anything I could learn about this instrument. Thanks!

Mike H.
 
#157
Thedeadking said:
I couldn't find this answer so I would ask here. Do epiphones have the common neck break issues that plague Kays and American Standards?
Click to expand...

Any bass whether it be an Epiphone, Kay, King or American Standard will suffer a neck break if abused and mishandled.

Owning all four brands of these basses I can say every single brand will break at that classic spot on the heel of the neck if abused. Having said that, Epiphone neck design and neck block are unique from the other brands. Most all Epiphone necks are made in two pieces. I have examples of 3 and 5 piece necks as well but the standard is a two piece neck which is how they achieve that massive scroll. The dove tail fits into the neck block in the same manner as the others brands but we find Epiphone necks are well crafted and fit well.

One of the worst mistakes made in fixing an Epiphone neck is when someone drills a hole and places a screw through the neck into the heel (common repair on a Kay). Because the Epiphone necks are made in two pieces you are in essence splitting that seam in half, further weaken the wood and the heel.

In my opinion the Epiphone basses were the best built basses of their era. There were so few of them made, very few are left in good surviving condition. Some that were rode hard and put up wet still sound the best, better then any new student grade plywood bass made in America today. :D
 
#158
@MollyKay

> In my opinion the Epiphone basses were the best built basses of their era. There
> were so few of them made, very few are left in good surviving condition. Some that
> were rode hard and put up wet still sound the best, better then any new student
> grade plywood bass made in America today.

Does this apply equally to the later models, like mine made in the early 60's?
 
#160
mhurwicz said:
@MollyKay

> In my opinion the Epiphone basses were the best built basses of their era. There
> were so few of them made, very few are left in good surviving condition. Some that
> were rode hard and put up wet still sound the best, better then any new student
> grade plywood bass made in America today.

Does this apply equally to the later models, like mine made in the early 60's?
Click to expand...

I am going to be honest…the very earliest basses made in New York before the death of Epaminondas “Epi” are my favorite Epiphone’s. There are some variations in the models that make them interesting to research and play. The later model Gibson/Epiphone is my least favorite as they lack the character of the very early basses. However all Epiphone’s are well made and sound great. The common description that comes up for an Epi of any era is “A Cannon”.

Your bass is a fine bass. Play it knowing that there very few of them left to enjoy. Don’t get caught up in its pedigree or year of birth.
 

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