What manner of beast is this?

[Volker Kirstein]

I found this instrument in the local want ads, with a "best offer" price tag. Needless to say, I fell in love. But before I start making serious inquiries, I'd like to know a little more about the instrument than "I don't know. It's old. I inherited it from my grampa."

I've spent about a week looking. All I've been able to determine is that it's not an Epiphone, Eko, or Warwick. It might be from the 60s. It may be a one-of custom hand-built job. It may or may not be DDR/Soviet Bloc.

Does anyone here recognise it? What would you offer?

 

[Watchootognbout]

Buy first.Ask questions later!
Or I will!

 

[wagdog]

Not that old based on design features. I’m guessing Canadian luthier on acid trip.

 

[charlie monroe]

Is that a lamp finial on the headstock?

Canadian origin seems likely.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

As far as Canadian origin goes... I'm in Frankfurt, Germany. The owner is in Eastern Germany, formerly DDR. The Maple Leaf is also a popular woodwork theme in eastern Europe. IMO Hungary (or such) is more likely.

However, Canada always did have better relations with the Soviet Bloc than USA, so I suppose Canadian origin is theoretically possible.

 

[petrus61]

It’s Mothman’s crackhead brother.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Custom case and stamped bridge makes it unlikely to be a one-off. Try it out, and make a low offer if you like it. Bring examples of other CL sales of unknown basses.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

My thought is one off custom also. Possibly using parts salvaged from eastern bloc instruments. I’d definitely take a look at it but I’m drawn to oddball instruments. Although, that body shape seems like I have seen it before but I don’t recall where.

 

[Watchootognbout]

This was the bass owned by Kaiser Willhelm ll.
It was given to him by Bernhard Von Bulow in 1900.

 

[pie_man_25]

As far as Canadian origin goes... I'm in Frankfurt, Germany. The owner is in Eastern Germany, formerly DDR. The Maple Leaf is also a popular woodwork theme in eastern Europe. IMO Hungary (or such) is more likely.

However, Canada always did have better relations with the Soviet Bloc than USA, so I suppose Canadian origin is theoretically possible.

I took a course to get a gun license, it was taught by a guy who coached team Canada during the cold war, he said the best diplomatic tool he found with the Russian team was Canadian club whiskey.

At any rate, she's a beauty of a bass I hope she gives you years of good service

 

[Camaro69]

Looks like it should come with a resin bow and a case of maple syrup

 

[bassliner50]

A beast that is more ostentatious than practical.

 

[wraub]

Assuming it's mechanically sound and plays well, I would only offer as much as I had. Or slightly more.

 

[Yango]

That’s one strange animal. You should buy it (I would). You’ll probably never see another one like it in your lifetime!

Let us know how it plays, and sounds.

 

[Camaro69]

Maybe it’s a Canadian Epiphone. They did weird stuff like this with Pontiacs back in the day

Never knew this existed. I kinda want it now that I’ve seen it

 

[Slinger]

The first question I'd ask (looking at that picture that features a part of someone's hand) is how long is it, from head to tail?

 

[cnltb]

I found this instrument in the local want ads, with a "best offer" price tag. Needless to say, I fell in love. But before I start making serious inquiries, I'd like to know a little more about the instrument than "I don't know. It's old. I inherited it from my grampa."

I've spent about a week looking. All I've been able to determine is that it's not an Epiphone, Eko, or Warwick. It might be from the 60s. It may be a one-of custom hand-built job. It may or may not be DDR/Soviet Bloc.

Does anyone here recognise it? What would you offer?

View attachment 3447435 View attachment 3447436 View attachment 3447437 View attachment 3447438 View attachment 3447439 View attachment 3447435 View attachment 3447436 View attachment 3447437 View attachment 3447438 View attachment 3447439

an early Marleaux.

 

[Cheez]

I’m lost. The two pics of the back look like two different instruments.

 

[TNCreature]

It's hideously beautiful. I can't imagine it playing well or sounding good, but I would still want it for it's unique qualities and rarity. Just buy it! I would think it is more rare than valuable.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

I’m lost. The two pics of the back look like two different instruments.

There's a pad that screws on the back.