FS: Gibson Upright Bass

[Porky_451]

Gibson made upright basses for only 3 years around 38, 39, & 40. They are very rare, less than 100 ever made. The basses were actually made in Germany for The Gibson Co. and shipped to the US with the neck separated and Gibson then assembled them and put a label in them.

The bass is in excellent original condition, with the exception of a new bridge. Its setup to play. It has a black ebony stripe up the back of the neck. It has some of the prettiest most highly flamed maple back and sides Ive ever seen on a bass. I was told there were only 85 ever made.

The inner label says:

Gibson Bass
Genuine Gibson Made
Model B-1251141
Kalamazoo Mich. USA

Im asking $4000.

 

[LouisF]

Can you tell us something about the sound of the bass - also it's weight and dimensions etc

Thanks

Louis

 

[Porky_451]

Its a great sounding bass. Remarkably, Every note on the fingerboard comes out the same volume, even the high high notes. It has plenty of volume and sustain. I would describe the tone as having deep growling lows, with very clear and responsive mid and high notes.

Dimensions:
nut - bridge = 42"
tall = 72" (without endpin)
top half width = 21"
bottom half width = 26"
thickness = 7 1/4"
weight = about the same as a Kay.


Thanks

 

[Gary Lynch]

Is this veneer or solid?

 

[Porky_451]

It is plywood like a Kay, not solid wood.

Thanks

 

[Michael Eisenman]

Is that a mute on the bridge?

 

[Porky_451]

Yes its a mute. It fattens the tone.