Double Bass Mathias Thoma model 1 flatback carved top ????

[David Earl]

As a newbie to talk bass, I'm really not certain if I'm posting this in the most appropriate section, but here we go.

I'm an upright player looking to find a carved or hybrid 5/8 or 3/4 and have a couple questions regarding one I've found. It's a Mathias Thoma European Model 1 carved top flatback 3/4 made in 2002. The only carved basses I've owned have been a no-name 1950's german hybrid and two 1960's fully carved Rauners (both of which sounded great but had too long a scale length for me). I've tried a fair number of carved basses but have never run across a Thoma.

From what I've found so far, it appears the Thoma is a cheaper carved bass that might fit my rather strained budget (2K - 3K range). I found one thread where someone thought they were heavier than others and as I'm getting older, weight could become an issue.

Upton makes a hybrid I'm considering but I'm still waiting for more info.

Any input on the quality of these unfamiliar (to me) Romanians would be most welcome.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

The Romanians I've had in my hands were OK, but I'm not enthusiastic about them.

I've played a few Uptons, and liked them. Shens are good too, but can sound a little bland. I've got a guy that sells "factory second" Shens for short money and will ship nationwide. PM me for more info if you like.

Someone in Chicago is trying to unload a Solano flatback like mine on craigslist for $3k-ish. If you can work a road trip, look into that. Mine is spectacular.

 

[David Earl]

The Romanians I've had in my hands were OK, but I'm not enthusiastic about them.

I've played a few Uptons, and liked them. Shens are good too, but can sound a little bland. I've got a guy that sells "factory second" Shens for short money and will ship nationwide. PM me for more info if you like.

Someone in Chicago is trying to unload a Solano flatback like mine on craigslist for $3k-ish. If you can work a road trip, look into that. Mine is spectacular.

 

[David Earl]

Thanks for your input. Was the Solano one that Lemur used to sell? I seem to remember encountering a Solano sunset. I'd PM you but I haven't figured out how yet. Please bear with me.

 

[bassmanbrent]

Was the Solano one that Lemur used to sell? I seem to remember encountering a Solano sunset. I'd PM you but I haven't figured out how yet. Please bear with me.

Romano Solano is an actual guy who makes basses somewhere near DC. I believe the Lemur basses you are thinking of are called Laguna and Sunrise. Totally different animals.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

bassmanbrent is correct. David, I'll PM you.