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Double Bass "Shrek" rescue complete

Matthew Tucker

Commercial User
Aug 21, 2002
2,686
387
Sydney, Australia
www.bresquebasses.com.au
Disclosures
Owner: Bresque Basses, Sydney Basses and Cellos
I bought this old czech bass some time ago and have been restoring it for my teenage daughter who plays in a jazz ensemble.

Before:

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Bottom block loose and cracked, linings unglued, over-length, bent and crooked neck, sunken top, bassbar unglued, bad varnish repairs.

After:

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This bass sounds surprisingly good for a laminated bass. It's easy to play, loud and projects well. The finish has come up nice and transparent, bar a few little chips that I have to touch up. It's actually not as in-your-face as I thought it might be; the patina - if you can call it that - of the stripped wood shows through, scratches and dings and all, and tones the green down beautifully.

The only thing that's a bit odd is that the neck is a "C#" neck now after I shortened it. But that doesn't take too long to get used to. Client is very happy.