Double Bass Sad Case...

[dylanjohnson]

Does this bass look like it has been white glued into oblivion? Seller's father bought this German bass in Philly in the 30's. Wish it was in better shape! More pics in the google photos link. Thank you in advance for your help.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RxVwpZS1dzXJBxsb9

 

[Don Hergert]

If it is "white glue", it could be removed. That said, it looks like it is a major project. Might be worth the work if (1) the selling price is low enough and especially if (2) the buyer wants it as a personal project.

 

[BassinCT]

If the glued cracks are stable and nothing has opened up, I would consider it if the price was right- understanding that if something does open up, the restoration could be very expensive. Are the cracks opening up?
I am also wondering if the glue used is water soluble...

 

[dylanjohnson]

The long crack under the sound post area isn't cleated, and it seems that many of the cracks aren't. It has a buzz somewhere. It might be one of the braces. The guy wants too much, $2000, but would probably drop the price. It needs a lot of work (bridge, setup, etc.) in addition to the structural stuff. Might end up being a great bass, but who knows.

 

[Sean Riddle]

The long crack under the sound post area isn't cleated, and it seems that many of the cracks aren't. It has a buzz somewhere. It might be one of the braces. The guy wants too much, $2000, but would probably drop the price. It needs a lot of work (bridge, setup, etc.) in addition to the structural stuff. Might end up being a great bass, but who knows.

$2000 seems a lot for the condition it’s in and the work it needs. If he can drop to $1000 it might be worth it.

 

[SAlcott]

For me, $500-750 purchase price, and assume at least $2-3000 worth of repair based on the body alone without seeing the can o' worms that the neck could present.

 

[dylanjohnson]

For me, $500-750 purchase price, and assume at least $2-3000 worth of repair based on the body alone without seeing the can o' worms that the neck could present.

The neck has never been broken and the block looked ok looking in the endpin hole with a light. It has a rosewood FB that is pretty thin, though. I think it's more trouble than I'm interested in getting into. Too bad, too. It would be nice for that bass to have another life with a player.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

For me, $500-750 purchase price, and assume at least $2-3000 worth of repair based on the body alone without seeing the can o' worms that the neck could present.

Agree, plus $1500 if it needs a new fingerboard and bridge. How are the tuners? If the string length isn't less than 42", I'd pass unless you want it for yourself and don't mind a longer SL. Remember, the buyer is taking all the risk with a project like this and the price should reflect that.

 

[dylanjohnson]

Yeah, I'm going to leave it for someone with more time than I have. Thanks for the replies, everyone!