Double Bass Project Bass Rescue

[msmartt]

I picked up this project bass some time ago and looking for some information. I am a sucker for the hatpeg tuners. The label states Karl Knilling Bohemian Stradivarius model 17xx. As you can see, all the wood is there just needs many cracks glued and cleated, set up, and revarnishing. So the question - Is the bass worth restoring? If so, what would be a market value of the bass restored? Also, what is the bass worth as is?

Regards,

Michael

 

[TroyK]

Are you planning on doing the work or will you use a luthier?

 

[msmartt]

I will do the work myself with the exception of varnishing. I have a violin maker that will assist in the varnishing after I prep the wood to his specifications.

 

[TroyK]

Then I think it's worth restoring.

 

[AGCurry]

This instrument was not a fine or expensive bass to begin with... it was a European shop bass.

Assuming a great restoration, you might get $3-4k unless it plays and sounds really good (+) or really bad (-). As is, its value is purely decorative.

 

[RSBBass]

If you enjoy working on instruments, have the skills, tools and time it is probably wort it. If not, it isn't.

 

[dperrott]

Needs top off, Interior cleats on top, probably rib cracks. I think the back needs rebuilt. May want to change the over stand, new board, bridge, nut, who knows what else. Bass bar? How thick is the top. May need sound post over lay or inlay. Looks like everything that could be done, needs done. If you want to do it for yourself then have at it. I don't think with out existing skills you can just fix it and sell it. Its going to take a while to finish

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

You’d be crazy to take that on even for free because of the tuning machines. I’ve done one restoration that extensive, which cost me almost a year of nights and weekends, and I don’t totally suck at it. It’s been in that condition for a long time for good reason.