Double Bass Wandre Naika Bass (Ca. 1960) sightings?

[Feral Feline]

Welcome to TB EthnicJazz.

Beautiful blue Naika!

Got any more pics? Closeups (ex the scroll)? Any known issues with the bass? Ex bass bar lifting? Neck Breaks or breaks at the scroll? Delamination? Is there a serial # or label inside (pic please!)? Removable bolt-on neck? **Original paint?

What's the story on this bass? How did you come by it, did you get it in Montreal or Italy and bring it over when you moved from... or...? Have you gigged this bass around Montreal? How long have you had it? Why are you selling it? How much are you asking for it? Shipping or pickup only?

Definitely interested, but (don't take offense) you're new to TB and don't have a track record of buying/selling/posting here. You've only posted twice and both times it was to solicit a sale. Hang out, post some more, get to know some people here and let them get to know you (filling out your profile is a good start). I'm interested, but I'm in no hurry as I've already three basses and were I to purchase the Blue Naika, it would have to be shipped to Western Canada.

Feel free to PM me (PM=private message via a "conversation" in the new TB software parlance).

Cheers,
FF

 

[ethnicjazz]

Hi FF,
Thank you for your reply. No the bass does not have any problem. There is a little square in the back where we took the paint off. My luthier did it he really want to see what kind of wood was used.
It plays wonderful and easy, it just doesn't have that big bass sound acoustically, although I love its sweet bow sounding. I am selling it to buy a ''normal'' 3/4 bass and some more instruments (I need some money, otherwise, to go on with some projects). I am undecided about the price. I guess I might take the best offer.
I bought it from an Italian real estate agent and amateur musician here in Montreal about 3 years ago. I had it fixed by Thierry Andre http://www.thierryandre.com a very good friend. a new tale piece and cover for tuning pegs strings and bridge. We tried to keep the style, but we were looking for a better sound.
...and yes I giged with it.
I'll take some picks and post them in the holidays.
Regards

 

[Feral Feline]

Merci Beaucoup for the new pic EthnicJazz, and the additional info. So rare to see someone actually playing it. Now I have a better perspective of its size based on how far the endpin is out etc.

Very CL

Looking forward to yet more pics!

Joyeux Noël.

 

[Aril Spetalen]

Please find attached my sample of a Wandré Naika bass. I was told a bit of its story, when I bought it from its probable second owner, Svein Alm:

Svein used to play with Per "Elvis" Granberg at Jordal, Oslo in the 60's, in what he referred to as "Jordal Swingers" - a predecessor of the later, more known "New Jordal Swingers". This bass, he bought at Grand Hotel in Oslo, from an Italian musician. The seller had lived a bit roughly, and needed to sell the instrument to be able to pay for his travel home..

When I bought this bass from Svein, it was in a somewhat sad condition. I got in touch with Bjørnar Andresen, a Norwegian free jazz bassist, working as upholsterer for Invalid Link Removed at the time. He straightended it up, and he made it deliver a decent sound, and I've enjoyed playing it since. Thanks a lot for sharing the information about Wandré Pioli and his bass workshop history!

Attached are three photos: One (almost) full size image, one showing the "W"-shaped, steel bridge, and the last showing the switch, making it possible to detach the neck from the bass for travels.


Cheers,
Aril

 

[Feral Feline]

WAYyAHAY Cool Paint Job!

Thanks for sharing and thanks for the close-up of the neck-heel apparatus.

Hmm 4-yar ol thread ...

 

[GretschWretch]

That bass looks like it belongs to the ghost of Christmas present.

 

[Don Hergert]

Hmmm, thread opened 11 years ago yesterday.

As an Alcoa owner, these Wandre basses certainly have my attention... Part of the "surreal sisterhood" branch of upright double basses.

Very nice historical information. I appreciate all who have shared here.

 

[Steve Swan]

Here is one that will be getting some restoration work, most importantly regluing the bass bar. This bass is very similar to the one shown by Aril above. I have shown in the photos the amazing travel bag that Wandre designed for these travel type instruments. My theory is that in 1962 many gigging musicians might have had only a Vespa scooter or small Fiat coupe to get to gigs. I was able to fully disassemble the bass and get it stowed in the Bag in about 5 minutes. Enough free time after that to chat up the music admirers and get a drink at the bar before closing. The bass is a 5/8 size with fairly slim neck and narrow fingerboard. It might have been the perfect thing for a small combo in a cafe. Ciao !!

 

[Don Kasper]

Sheet Metal Worker/Luthier Drops Acid - Hilarity Ensues!
(jk)

 

[Steve Swan]

Here are some more photos of the December 1962 Wandre Naika Lux detachable neck bass. It took almost 15 years of looking, but I finally have one!

 

[notabene]

Here are some more photos of the December 1962 Wandre Naika Lux detachable neck bass. It took almost 15 years of looking, but I finally have one!View attachment 3439460

How does it sound?

Steven

 

[Steve Swan]

I will not know about the real tone and response until Jason Brown takes off the top and reglues the bass bar. I would expect a somewhat small presence with a 5/8 body size and string length. I think of this bass as being appropriate for small combos in little neighborhood cafes and the like. I plan on using a Realist pickup with it and getting this current replacement bridge replaced with one of Jason's Deuce bridges with black anodized aluminum parts and a graphite bridge top. Gut strings, maybe even my one complete set of old stock Red-O-Ray strings !! I have 3 more string bass projects scheduled with Jason ahead of this one, so it will likely be August before I get a chance to get matching sunglasses for use on outdoor gigs with this cool little bass.

 

[henryrj]

I have exactly the same Wandre only difference is my bridge is metal W. Is your restoration complete?

 

[Aril Spetalen]

Ref. my comment above. Mine is now on display at Zoon in Bologna for sale.
Cheers,
Aril

 

[Feral Feline]

Damn Aril!
Already spent WAY too much on an AlCoA.


How much to ship across the Atlantic, I wonder...

 

[Don Hergert]

Already spent WAY too much on an AlCoA.

Sacrilege!!!!

 

[james condino]

Looks like Bernuzio's in Rochester has a cool old red removable neck Wandre for sale:

Wandre Framez Naika Cutaway Upright Bass 1960 | Reverb

 

[Keith Rawlings]

These basses are so weird and cool at the same time.

 

[DB66]

On Reverb

 

[Feral Feline]

Bad timing ... no cash or I'd snap up that Black Wandré-ing beast.