Double Bass Identify a Knilling ?

[tomcookpsu]

"No good deed ever goes unpunished"
Y'all were incredible in helping me identify some strings this week so -- I'm back !

The Knilling I bought for my grandson is labelled "Made in Romania" Bucharest Model 1302T, Serial Number 22385.

In spite of comments on here about Knilling not responding to questions, I emailed - no response.

Called the number on their website. Absolutely the BEST non-response I've ever heard.

Automated number with extensions for Retailer Orders. Retailer questions. Accounting.
Then a menu giving "end users" two different choices for different brands of electronics. THEN "For all other products, press zero" The response to which is "I'm sorry, Zero is not a valid choice".

I'm trying to date approximate year of manufacture.

AND what does the "T" stand for in the model number?

AND their current catalogue raises more questions than it answers. Ebony fingerboard? I think not - see pictures of wear. No adjustable bridge. Composite tailpiece? - now THAT looks like ebony to my ignorant eye.

Can anyone help me ? Thanking you in advance.

 

[AGCurry]

Why do you think the fingerboard is not ebony?

 

[tomcookpsu]

The worn spot shows a much lighter wood than I would expect.I thought even stained ebony started off fairly dark.

Thanks in advance. For someone who's been playing for 60 years I am TERRIBLY ignorant. Until this Knilling for my grandson, I've only purchased one Bass. Worked with luthiers on minor repairs, choices of bridges, endpiece and strings but still playing the Bass I bought in high school.

It' so refreshing AND encouraging to find a site where it's OK to be ignorant.

 

[bradd]

The T stands for 3/4 size. Their serial numbers are all over the place, and with the company changing hands several times it's doubtful that anyone there can tell you its age.

 

[Don Hergert]

The tuners are at least post-1936, when manufacturers began using Phillips screw heads.

The endpin assembly looks consistent with fairly modern design.

Is that a Romberg Bevel on the fingerboard? Hmmm, 1960s, 70s, 80s?

The finish looks to be in pretty good shape, not heavily used, still shiny in places.

I'd guess maybe sometime in the last few decades???

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

It’s a factory bass made of plywood for students. They’re very cookie-cutter. Could be 50 years old, could be 10. I don’t know that it matters if it plays well.

 

[tomcookpsu]

Thanks KUNGfuSHERIFF. It sounds good and I'm happy with it and with the price. It's a gift for my grandson and I'm just trying to give him as much info as I can. He's been playing BG and has shown some interest in DB so I'm trying to encourage him as much as possible.
And thank you to all y'all. Especially Bradd - that "T' has been driving me crazy. NOTHING on the Knilling site except that it is available in several sizes.
And thanks to dhergert - I wasn't sure when Knilling stopped using the beveled fingerboard. Comparing serial number to others of the same model, it appears to have - maybe - been made in late 1960's. BUT you're also right, very, very good shape for a bass of that age. Especially since I bought it from a bluegrass musician. Not to generalize too much, but we are not particularly well known for cosmetic care of our instruments. I mean, I don't think anybody ties them on top of their cars anymore, but they do seem to take a beating in that environment. My 1960's Meisel has a chunk out of the scroll from when a flying metal folding chair hit it.

Well, to quote a friend's PA Dutch grandpa, "Never look in the mouth of a horse for a gift." It seems to be perfect for a beginner. Good sound, very easy on the hands AND pretty. Can't ask for much more.

 

[MikeDavis]

I play a Knilling (1308T serial number 11675) and was able to get the following info from them when I reached out by email a few years back.

“The #1308 Bucharest is an excellent quality solid Romanian bass, crafted from thoroughly seasoned European spruce and maple. The Bucharest line has been a flagship model for Knilling for many decades, with a reputation for superior performance, ease of maintenance, and durability. Unfortunately, serial numbers for Knilling instruments are randomly assigned, and unrelated to model or date of manufacture.

Attached is the current price list and Knilling catalog, which may be helpful in learning more about your instrument, and determining the retail value of the bass in new condition. Be advised that — with the exception of some vintage models — resale value on used string instruments are typically quite a bit less than MSRP... and would also be affected by condition, materials/workmanship, and market demand in your area.”

I’ve had mine for a little under ten years which I purchased second hand from a fellow student of my teacher.

Seems like a generally good bass for the price. Has served me well. I’ve been very happy with it.

 

[tomcookpsu]

Thank you Mike. I've checked out the current Knilling website and catalogue. I'm glad that "resale value on used string instruments are typically quite a bit less than MSRP." I was certainly not in the market for a $5000 bass to see if my grandson develops an interest. OR for myself for that matter - considering that I'm happy playing a 60 year old plywood Meisel that was bought new in 1962 from a music shop in Butler PA for $250.
I have a friend selling a 1950 Kay that didn't tempt me either. Well, maybe a little.

 

[TroyK]

I'm not the last word on this,.but sometimes ebony has lighter sections in it like that.