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Double Bass Help me identify my german DB

johnnydi

johnnydi

Aug 18, 2008
527
83
Middle of nowhere BC
#1
I have a Double bass and would like to know more about it. It as a sticker inside that reads. " mittenwald/karwendel " handarbeit made in germany.

Its in pretty good condition and would want to sell it but have no idea what to ask for. I know its not something rare or super valuable and its made of ply I suppose.

Can you help.

thanks
Here's some pics.
HPIM1751.jpg

003.jpg

004.jpg

HPIM1752.jpg
 
#9
Looks like labels from Ottomar Hausmann instruments. See this bass from Upton:

http://www.stringrepair.com/Double_Bass_Ottomar_Hausmann.htm
Invalid Link Removed

One possibility (if the picture you show is all the information in the bass) could be that the Hausmann shop made that bass for another seller, and therefore used a cut-down label that left out their name. Of course, other makers might have had similar labels.
 
#14
The instrument as been service by a knowledgeable luthier and the integrity of the instrument is in good shape.

The edge being broken is reparable and as nothing to do with the integrity of the instrument. This DB as a very good tone and play very well. I would not be scared to gig with it at all. I understand it does not look good but its mostly aesthetic.

The position markers have been added later in the life of the instrument by somebody else and were well done.
 
#16
I think Michael Glynn is right, this is bass is propably built by Ottomar Hausmann. The company still exists and has a good reputation for Cello's, but has not entered the age of e-mail yet, you could try and call them for more information, like a build date.

Hausmann Ottomar Geigen- u. Cellobau
Viererspitzstr. 12
82481 Mittenwald
Kontakt:
Telefon: +49 (8823) 8105
 
#17
Cool bass, good luck finding info on it. I don't mind the scratches and wear at all, personally. My main bass looks pretty similar, wear wise, because that often is what happens to basses who travel and get the shiz kicked out of them. My luthier gets all horrified but I really don't see it as a huge deal. As a player, not a collector, it certainly doesn't affect my idea of value.
 
#18
johnnydi said:
The instrument as been service by a knowledgeable luthier and the integrity of the instrument is in good shape.

The edge being broken is reparable and as nothing to do with the integrity of the instrument. This DB as a very good tone and play very well. I would not be scared to gig with it at all. I understand it does not look good but its mostly aesthetic.

The position markers have been added later in the life of the instrument by somebody else and were well done.
Click to expand...

What does the luthier think it's worth? How long have you owned this instrument?
 
#20
Thanks for sharing some more light on your connection to this instrument. Your first post didn't make this clear.

Why don't you try putting it on consignment at a string instrument shop? You could ask what you like to get for it, and see what the response would be. I saw one one similar to yours, but in excellent condition with a Realist pu, bow, and decent bag sell for $1K not so long ago.

You might look into the cost of re edging the bass and factor that in to your asking price.
 

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