Double Bass Need opinions on a 1966 Roth hybrid

[2late]

I am looking to buy my first DB (have played electric for many years). A violin repairman I trust has come across an "Ernst Heinrich Roth C. 1966 Bass Violin" which has a carved top and laminate back and sides. The seller wants $2400. Is this likely to be a good deal?

 

[Jake deVilliers]

If your luthier says its sound, and if you like the way it sounds and feels to you, its a good deal.

 

[2late]

Thanks, Jake. Going to check it out tomorrow.

 

[2late]

Actually, went and bought it today. Lots of cosmetic dings and worn finish, but solid otherwise. There had been a crack at the sound post, but it was expertly repaired, according to my luthier. String action is pretty high; will consult with other players about that, since I'm new to DB's.

 

[2late]

More pictures; see bunged up edges where the sucker was laid down too many times. Anybody ever use wood filler for this type of problem? Other picture shows worn finish where musician leaned (and sweated!) on instrument.

Luthier says only the back is plywood. Maple sides, spruce top. Tone sounds pretty sweet to me. Have not changed the strings; I think luthier said he thought they were Sonocors.

I know it ain't that pretty, but if previous owner sprung for that expensive crack repair on the top, he must've thought highly of the instrument.

 

[larry]

I played an E.H. Roth hybrid for 10 years. I think mine was '67 IIRC. It was a very good bass. The price you paid seems about right. It should hold that value if you ever trade up.

I don't sweat cosmetic issues much. Nothing wrong with a bass having some character.

BTW - When I got mine - it had a solid tailpiece wire. I had it changed for a braided cable and it made a big difference. Spiro Orchestra gauge strings sounded really good on it - way better than weichs (though I now use wrapped gut - wish I still had my Roth to see what it would sound like with the strings I use now). Food for thought based on my experience with it. Yours looks identical to mine in the pics.

 

[Eli_Upright12]

You go a really good deal. I play one of these basses at the school when I cant bring my own. They are really sold basses, does your's have the weird slightly curved/carved, slightly flatback thing going on? it looks like it from the pictures. I would make sure to get some good strings on there it will make a huge difference, the worst part about the bass I play it has horrible old crusty strings on, half helicores, half something else.

 

[2late]

Thanks for the advice, Larry. My tailpiece wire is indeed solid; will discuss with luthier.

Will be investigating string options pretty soon also. Yes, of the samples I've listened to (via that great link [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]), Spirocores do sound the brightest and sweetest to me. Here are some questions for you, if you have a minute:

1. Have you ever tried the Superflexibles? Someone in the string forum said that not only do they sound superb when plucked, but also pretty decent when bowed. Not that bowing will be a priority with me (want to play jazz), but just curious. The instrument did come with a bow, after all (and my luthier rehaired it at no extra charge). So far, I can play the beginning of the theme from "Jaws." Big hit with my dogs.

2. Do you order strings online? Where can I get a decent price?

3. Also, need two more accessories: a cover and a stand. Got a favorite vendor for these?

Much obliged to you.

 

[2late]

Ali_Upright12 said:
"...does your's have the weird slightly curved/carved, slightly flatback thing going on?"

Yes, exactly. I did think it looked odd.

 

[Eli_Upright12]

Ali_Upright12 said:
"...does your's have the weird slightly curved/carved, slightly flatback thing going on?"

Yes, exactly. I did think it looked odd.

I've seen like three or four of these mad within about a 10 years span and they are all that weird curved/flatback and they are all nice hybrids.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Nice bass. Before you spend the money replacing strings, what color are the silks at the scroll? You may already have spirocores now.

 

[2late]

Nice bass. Before you spend the money replacing strings, what color are the silks at the scroll? You may already have spirocores now.

Red.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

You have Spirocore Mittels (mediums). I have those on the A and D with a Spirocore Stark E and a Superflexible G. Bribass has used this combo for a long time and it works great. Actually, he just switched to the heavier E, I think. The Superflexibles are similar to Spircores but lower tension and warmer. The G matches up well and isn't metallic like the Spiro G. String experiments are expensive, and as many have found, not always helpful. I'd say, if your strings are in good shape, leave them on.

 

[2late]

Thanks, clink. Thing is, I don't know how old these strings are. When I get with a teacher, a lot of this should get clarified.

But to my ear, the strings sound punchy and resonant, except for the E, which seems surprisingly dull and lacking in low end. Is a "stark" E likely to better amplify the lower frequencies?

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Thanks, clink. Thing is, I don't know how old these strings are. When I get with a teacher, a lot of this should get clarified.

But to my ear, the strings sound punchy and resonant, except for the E, which seems surprisingly dull and lacking in low end. Is a "stark" E likely to better amplify the lower frequencies?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=372755
The first post says it all .

 

[2late]

Valuable info. Merci.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

When your teacher shows you how to pull a note out of that E string, you might find it doesn't sound as dull. Again, if you have some well-broken in Spiros on there, you already have some of the best pizz strings going. It may be a setup issue too, which a double bass luthier can help you with.

If it's truly dead, your teacher should be able to tell.

Nice bass, I wouldn't change a thing. Oh yeah...NO WOOD FILLER!

 

[2late]

When your teacher shows you how to pull a note out of that E string, you might find it doesn't sound as dull. Again, if you have some well-broken in Spiros on there, you already have some of the best pizz strings going. It may be a setup issue too, which a double bass luthier can help you with.

If it's truly dead, your teacher should be able to tell.

Nice bass, I wouldn't change a thing. Oh yeah...NO WOOD FILLER!

Thanks. Will consult with teacher + luthier on all of the above.