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Double Bass Help me I.D. this bass

#21
clink said:
What I see is probably an early 20th century German or Czech bass with some problems.
It looks like the cracks in the top (one a soundpost crack) are fairly recent.
The scroll has come off at some point and the neck is broken at the heel. The popped seam is a benefit as the top should come off anyway.

I'm no luthier, but my guess is your bass is a candidate for a major restoration.

KC Strings would give you a better evaluation. My guess is a restored value of $4000 or more, but you would need to invest at least half that to make it work.

Should you decide not to take it on, I might be interested in the project myself.

I could use a nice 'King' bass.;)
Click to expand...

I agree, take it to KC Strings. I've been wanting to road trip out there and meet those guys, they do awesome work..
 
#22
Now that's some helpful info. I went ahead and loosened up the strings. Shows ya how much I know about Uprights.. On a regular bass guitar I have always been told to store the instrument with the tension left on the strings. Also if I get a damp-it do I just put it inside the bass? I would think it would be hard to get out if I did that.
I don't think I could afford the repairs, and I am hesitant to do so for fear that I would not play it much. Most the music I play lends itself to regular electric bass. So Clink if you were serious about needing a new "King" bass maybe we can talk offline. You can PM me if you'd like. I see you are in Leewood KS. I am actually going to be in Leewood for training all week at the end of this month. I could bring it up there with me if you wanted to look at it.
Thank guys..
 
#24
the damp-its are for dry weather conditions. high altitudes affect it too. the wood can always change depending on where you are. certain places on the bass can crack or warp, make it go out of tune etc... however, for what condition your bass is in right now i dont think you have to worry about it.

there are big damp-its that are made for URB. the long narrow end goes in the hole (top or bottom) of the f-holes on the front. theres a black rubber plug or 'stopper' so it doesnt fall in. if it does fall in you can still get it out. just lift the whole thing up and wiggle. its kind of like getting a pick thats stuck in an acoustic guitar, but x 100. haha.

anyway good luck! thats an awesome find for $50!
 

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