Double Bass Please help identifying this bass

[ChrisHEB3]

Hello.

I have been passed this bass from my father who played in university orchestra.

It is 4/4 and from the 1980s (or earlier) based on how long he had it.

There is no label or script visible inside the body.

Hopefully the 2nd pic shows the fingerboard is asymmetrical, with more space on the G side.

I have not seen this in other instruments, is it common?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Mark_T]

Is the bridge centered? Otherwise the neck isn’t straight, but start with the simple things first.

 

[Don Hergert]

Yes, from the images it looks like the bridge is already moved off-center toward the G side to compensate for the strings being off-center to the E side on the fingerboard.

To me that calls for a good examination by a double bass luthier. As @Mark_T mentioned, it could indicate the neck alignment itself is off-center. which is worth having diagnosed.

Since there is no label, having a double bass luthier look at it could also help determine the instrument's lineage and ultimately its value.

This instrument appears to be wearing Spirocore strings, which if tuned at standard EADG pitch are high-tension strings...

If it were me, and if the instrument was not going to be played in the near future, because of the possible neck alignment issue I'd consider slaking the strings a step or two down so as to not make the neck angle worse under string tension. The sound post might fall, but if it's going to the double bass luthier anyway, that can be fixed then..

The instrument might be playable in its current condition, but the neck alignment questions are important enough to be diagnosed soon.

Just so you're aware, a double bass luthier is a person who has specialized in double bass building and repair; this is not the same as a violin luthier or a general instrument setup and repair person.

 

[Engle]

It's pretty common for the bridge to get bumped over like that. Just loosen the strings a bit and (carefully) push it back.
At the same time make sure it's vertical and not leaning over.

 

[Don Hergert]

It's pretty common for the bridge to get bumped over like that. Just loosen the strings a bit and (carefully) push it back.
At the same time make sure it's vertical and not leaning over.

True, but this does not appear to be an accidental bump situation. From the OP's pics, it looks like If the bridge is moved to proper center on the table between the F-holes, the E string will be off of the fingerboard. That is apparently why the bridge has been moved off-center, closer to the G side F-hole. If I were to guess, the neck is probably tilting toward the E side of the instrument.

 

[Engle]

True, but this does not appear to be an accidental bump situation. From the OP's pics, it looks like If the bridge is moved to proper center on the table between the F-holes, the E string will be off of the fingerboard. That is apparently why the bridge has been moved off-center, closer to the G side F-hole. If I were to guess, the neck is probably tilting toward the E side of the instrument.

I see what you mean. It is difficult to know from a picture, but it does look that way.

 

[ChrisHEB3]

Thanks for all your replies:

I have Spirocore Light set on the thing, to help my bass guitar fingers cope with upright

The bridge is approx 1.5 mm off centre towards the G side of the neck.

I appreciate it is difficult to see from a photo but measuring it: the fingerboard is not symmetrical.

I take the point that having the neck reset is probably the correct fix for this but would cost more than the thing is worth

Thanks