Vintage King Mortone URB

[ker_bear8]

This bass has a beautiful open sound due mainly to its considerable age (my teacher whom I bought it from estimates it to be nearly 100 years old and I'm waiting for confirmation of this from a local luthier). It's a 3/4 plywood King Mortone with a full ebony fingerboard. I'm selling it with a heavily padded and overly pocket bag, meisel stand, and a base-model pickup.
The tuning pegs have been repaired and if you can overlook the nicks and scratches, you'll be pleased with the open sound that only time can deliver. $3200 OBO; pickup and test drives in Chicago LP. More pics available on request.

http://C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Kerry/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/DigiCam/guit/DSCN3249.JPG[/IMG]

 

[Jeremy Allen]

Well, not quite 100 years old. The first Kings were made in, what, 1934? Is there a serial number on the label inside the bass? If so, we can answer that question right away.

 

[ker_bear8]

Well, I suppose inaccuracy is one of the many mistakes we make when young and in love. The number is 3085. Any additional info is much obliged.
This process is exceedingly difficult, but a job in Spain dictates I leave her behind.

 

[Jeremy Allen]

The two databases I know of put that serial # between 1954 and 1956.
You might also try listing this on the bluegrass bass place classifieds; those folks go bonkers over nice old King basses (and Kays, and American Standards, and Epiphones, and Gretschs, and Gibsons).

 

[Tejano Bass]

FWIW - According to my sources, Serial #s 2550 - 3100 = 1954 . . . pretty much the same ball park - just call it 55 (+ or - a couple) - close enough - huh?