For Sale Rare American Standard

What serial number is she? Nice bass.

 

Yeah. I love mine. It has an old school vibe about it, very resonant, plush.

 

Mine is a 1938 and has outer linings.

 

Great Bass, I’m my opinion this was destined to be a “Cut Label” American Standard. That would explain the lighter weight to the body, no “American Standard” stamp in the pinstripe area on the top of the back below the neck heel area. Also no outside rib linings, as you mentioned, to my knowledge cut labels are right before the War, 1940-1941. That’s simply from what I’ve gathered from mine and from a good friend that owns one. Nothing like a American Standard for sure.

 

I don't know that much about them but someone around here does. Great basses. They really move a lot of air.

 

My primary is a 1940, no cut label, outer linings (41 1/2"scale, D heel, new Condino neck!). Absolutely KILLER bass- I took it out for two rehearsals and then literally went home and sold all 4 other basses I owned that had been my go to instruments for the last ten years!

I also have a 1938 that has the full label + outside linings (...currently disassembled). Either way, the small print is irrelevant. They are fantastic basses in all forms- the apex of 20th century US factory ply production basses.

 

This is purely my opinion from the information I’ve gathered. I know that a cut label in the mid 400 number range has a paper sticker in it that states it was bought new for a School/College in the fall of 1941. I believe they were made for a larger musical supply company and sold simply as a plywood bass. Its possible that cost were cut a little in areas like the rib binding and thinner, smaller necks, to save time and some money. These bases to seem to be more light in weight and a little more resonate to my hearing. That would explain the labels being cut and no stamp on the upper back, or anything stating H.N White Company, or American Standard on these Basses. I speculate that they were in the same years. This is my simply opinion. It’s possible that a body was left over and used later on. It’s the first one Ive saw with a cut label and 4 digit serial number. Either way, it’s a very good bass.

 

Hi James, what # is your 1940? I play #1299. Just back from a tune up at the BVS and it's sounding sweet.

Apologies for the hi-jack...

Z

 

Hi Guys, #410 recently came into my possession and am completely smitten with it. Matt, your description of notes 'springing off the fingerboard' is the best description I've heard about how this bass projects a stopped note. I've been trying to describe this as I've gotten used to the sound of this instrument, and you nailed it. Good stuff!

 

no pics, no bass

 

That is fair. I've owned it about a year. Here's a pic. It's been updated over the years. New neck and ebony fingerboard with updated overstand, someone refinished it along the way. I'm also told it blew apart after it was 'left it in the car.' lol. 42" string length. Spiro Weich EAD and an Obligato G. Playing great now!

 

Beautiful. Get rid of that Obligato and you'll have a pro instrument there!

 

The cat in the last photo