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Double Bass Indenitfication
- Thread starter BrandonA119
- Start date
Three strings and OLD. That's a potential treasure there. The real identifiers are going to want a picture of the area where the neck joins the body, from behind and the side, as well as a shot of the whole front from straight on.
A bass like that typically has a tiny label, deep inside, with the words "play me" written on it. If you're interested in picking up the DB, it's worth getting a luthier to evaluate the task of converting the bass to 4 strings, or at the very least, giving you a clean bill of health so you can start taking lessons and learning to play it.
Look closely at the peghead... there are 4 shafts, even though you can't see the tuning machines proper. The bridge and nut are cut for four strings, so it's probably just missing a string, and strung up as a three string....
A situation not unheard of with old, unplayed basses...
Get a hands-on inspection from someone who can inspect it properly. It'll likely be very nice if it was reconditioned.
You're right. I was fooled by seeing 3 strings, and missed the 4th tuning peg. For all we know it could be close to playable.
Alright I'm having my mom take/send these pix because the bass is located out of state..
Hopefully this helps!
Hopefully this helps!
Hi.
Looks to be in pretty sad shape, but nothing that huge amounts of tlc wouldn't cure.
I'd be happy as a bumble-bee if I ran across something like that.
Thanks for posting the bigger pics.
Regards
Sam
Looks to be in pretty sad shape, but nothing that huge amounts of tlc wouldn't cure.
I'd be happy as a bumble-bee if I ran across something like that.
Thanks for posting the bigger pics.
Regards
Sam
Quick and dirty scroll repair is my guess. It drives me crazy that the OP's great-grandfather (or somebody) PAID for that work, and the bizarre back seam "repair," and...
It looks like an early 20th century German bass to me with old, funky repairs to the pegbox and back seem. If all of those cracks in the top and sides were "repaired" in the same manner, the repair bill for this bass might negate the value. Nice flame on the back though.
- Steve
- Steve
I'd be pretty excited if that bass was in my family. If it is coming your way, lets just say you inherited a very cool rusted out old vintage Volkswagon. It has a lot of potential, but you'll have to work for it. Go out and get yourself a copy of Chuck Traeger's book on setup and repair of the double bass and read up on what will be involved.
j.
j.
- Jan 24, 2002
- 2,117
- 950
- Disclosures
- NS Design / AER Endorsing Artist
The wood on the bass looks very nice from here, though the repairs are awful. I'd guess it's German, perhaps Mittenwald. I assume there's no label or stamp?
It's impossible to say from pictures, but this instrument may be worth restoring. Possibly at a profit, should you decide to sell it.
Where is the instrument located? Someone here might be able to point you toward an expert to look at it in person.
It's impossible to say from pictures, but this instrument may be worth restoring. Possibly at a profit, should you decide to sell it.
Where is the instrument located? Someone here might be able to point you toward an expert to look at it in person.
Its in Des Monies, Iowa. This belonged to my Great Grandfather, my great Aunt's and Uncle said I should have it since I play bass!
Jim Reck (Reck Violin Shop) and Chris Threlkeld-Wiegand (Heartland Bass Shop) are in the Iowa City area.
