Thanks for your replies and info about the King bass, all of the responses were encouraging. I spoke w/the owner yesterday and I will see it on Saturday. He thinks it is a 1936 bass, it has violin corners, he called it a beater - it has some serious wear - can't imagine anything from 1936 not having serious wear. He just put new strings on it and bridge adjusters, it plays well he says. He is asking around $800.00 for it, that's w/the recent addition of new strings and bridge adjusters. I have no idea the value of even a beat up King bass is. I am interested because it is within my price range. The fact that is worn and not pristine appeals to me as a beginning UB player.
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Double Bass King Bass?
- Thread starter powerbass
- Start date
Jake deVilliers
Commercial User
- May 24, 2006
- 6,349
- 607
- Disclosures
- Owner of The Bass Spa, String Repairman at Long & McQuade Vancouver
Hey POW, if you don't want it I'll send you my bass trunk and you can put it in there and send it to me! 
Man, if it's in good shape despite the nicks and what not, and most importantly, if it sounds good.. $800 is a steal! Just to make sure there's no structural catch you aren't aware of, is there any chance you can get it to a luthier before buying?
I will report back after I see the bass. The owner is a very decent guy and I think he is cutting me a deal. I'm sure he will let me hang w/it for a bit if I decide I want it. He scouts flea markets, antique shops and tag sales and comes up w/old Kays etc. which he will fix up or pass on to other players.
Just remember . . . if it sounds righteous no one will even notice/care how it looks . . . besides, a 30's bass is supposed/expected to have character 
I got a chance to play the 1936 King bass over the weekend. Cosmetically and visually it is like an old house that has weathered many storms and several renovations. The neck has been repaired a few times w/bolts and screws. The top has many gaps at the joint between the sides, the laminates are not totally intact in several spots and there was some liberal use of wood filler. The back is the same: buckles, puckers in the laminates etc, not too severe though. The bridge is crappy and the neck has a buzz or 2 - it needs a new set up. Even w/all that it has a beautiful, deep sound that vibrated the floor. I can understand why people regard them so highly. The unfortunate thing is someone else is interested and is ready to purchase it. The test ride was educational for me and the owner may have some thing else since he has a knack for finding old basses.
Hey everybody,
This is my first post, so I apologize for any lack of savvy.....but I was wondering if anyone has a rough estimate of the worth of these early King Basses (30's). I have heard a few different things ($1000 from one guy, $5000 from another), and wanted to gauge some more seasoned professionals. Thanks!
)
This is my first post, so I apologize for any lack of savvy.....but I was wondering if anyone has a rough estimate of the worth of these early King Basses (30's). I have heard a few different things ($1000 from one guy, $5000 from another), and wanted to gauge some more seasoned professionals. Thanks!
)
The worth of any bass is whatever someone is willing to pay for it . . . each bass is different, whatever make/model, as is each buyer & seller. Sound first - then condition, etc. . . .
