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Double Bass Flatback Issues

TroyK

TroyK

Mar 14, 2003
8,127
10,484
Seattle, WA
#1
Sorry guys, I hate to post something that I know has been covered. I know it's been covered, because I remember reading about it, but I can't find it.

I've stumbled into a 20's flatback that I think is German, but I need to go back with a flashlight and some more time. It seems in good condition, well set up, a few cracks properly cleated and it plays nice. It is a repair/restoration label in it from 1976 that I need a closer look it.

It sounds nice and I think is fairly underpriced if it checks out. I have a second bass fantasy or could point someone from here to it.

But, what is it about flatbacks from this era that I need to look out for? There's a comment necessary repair or thing to look out for or something, right?
 
#2
An issue I've noticed with flat backs in general is the back braces coming undone due to the back shrinking and expanding seasonally. It's hard to tell with the top on if they are loose at the ends of the bars. It usually won't buzz or rattle but the sound gets a little more mushy as the back plate looses some stiffness. Your best bet would be to see if you can try it out on approval for a few days and take it to your luthier for an inspection. Good luck!
 
#3
A kit if carved German.Czech flatbacks are both fairly inexpensive and large in abundance. Especially from the 20's and 30's. The shop instruments especially ones where the label only says the name of the town/community on the inside can go anywhere from $2500 to $5000 in a previously restored condition, and a little more or a little less depending on if the bass is all original, and is holding up.

The problems with flatbacks are what was posted above, the braces come undone. The other problem, is that because the back is expanding and shrinking and the bracers come undone, you can get some nasty cracks. Just make sure the humidity is pretty stable, and you get it checked out every once in a while.

As you might know older instruments tend to need a lot of care and attention. It's a little like a new instrument within its first few years. You have to be aware of cracking, or signs of cracking, because if you can stop it early, you can prevent large cracks. You also might have to get the back and top reglued or touched up a few times. If you think about it as an investment, and the bass costs $5k, will it cost another 3k in the next 3-5 years in repairs and maintenance? Bring it to a luthier like you would bring a used car to a mechanic.

I say go for it if the bass sounds amazing, these instruments can be hidden gems, a lot of people overlook them as cheap. Just be careful and make sure it all checks out. The reason I did not go for one of these is because of the amount of care that the bass in my case would need through the next 3-5 years.
 
#4
Thanks guys, I knew there was something with the bracing, but just couldn't remember what. I was wondering if I could see by inspection if these repairs had been done already. Doesn't sound like it.

I loved and nearly bought a German flatback about 15 yrs ago ,but it got away from me. My bass for the last 10 years is about the same vintage and I've been through all of those things with it, but it's not a flatback.

If I get serious about I'll definitely have either Jake or one of the local luthiers check it out.
 
#7
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
...

So enough with the pussyfooting already. What did you find?
Click to expand...

I need to go back and look at it and I'm happy to share. I'm not sure what it is. Had a label that appeared to be German, but I couldn't tell you what I said. I didn't have a flashlight or my glasses. It had a repair label from 1976. It had what I would consider on the low side of reasonable amount of what appeared to be properly repaired cracks. Based on the cracks and the grain, I don't suspect any laminates anywhere.

It it played and sounded nice for about $3,300. It's in a guitar shop, so they don't really know what it is. It came to them in an estate with several guitars that they did want. If it is a solid wood, well maintained German bass from the 20's, it's got to be worth at least $5-6k. I don't exactly have $3,300 to blow, but I could probably come up with it. I do have a minorly justifiable reason for a 2nd bass, but it could just be a good investment or I'm happy to help someone here find their way to it for a first bass.

I'll go back and check it out and let you know what I think.
 

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