Double Bass Yet another bass ID

[Selim]

I bought this bass in 1977 from a guy who played in the RI Philharmonic at the time (that's Rhode Island, folks!). He told me it was made early 20th. Looks newer to me, but I don't know much. As I recall, when I bought it from him, it was in just about perfect condition - it looked like an almost new instrument. Of course, it has no label.

The lighting makes the varnish look a bit brighter than it really is.

Any educated guesses as to country of origin and age? I've always wanted to know more about this instrument. Thanks in advance to all you more knowledgeable folks out there!

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Nice looking bass. That little fillip on the scroll button says German factory bass near the Czech border, at least to my eye.

 

[csrund]

Hofner-Paesold, perhaps?

 

[eerbrev]

rib linings usually mean german "factory" made at that time, don't they?

 

[Selim]

Thanks, everybody. Anyone have an opinion on what time period we're talking about?

I bought it 35 years ago, so it's at least that old....

 

[bassmastan]

Looks like a 60's - 70's Paesold bass to me

Most important thing, do you like it? If so no matter what it's an awesome bass!

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Where's the photo of the button?

 

[Selim]

Looks like a 60's - 70's Paesold bass to me

Most important thing, do you like it? If so no matter what it's an awesome bass!

60-70s would make sense. As I said, when I bought it in '77, it looked brand new.

Oh yes, I do like this bass very much! But I didn't always -- for many years, it was a healthy instrument, but nothing special about the sound or the response. But then, in the last 5 years or so, it just acquired all this mojo. It has a voice now, everything just blossomed. Time + some setup work from Jeff Bollbach out in Long Island, NY + finding the right strings for this particular bass (Flexocor Deluxe).

Thanks to everybody who chimed in here!

 

[Selim]

Where's the photo of the button?

I think KUNGfuSHERIFF is talking about image # 4685 (the last one, of the scroll)

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Correct.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I think KUNGfuSHERIFF is talking about image # 4685 (the last one, of the scroll)

I understood what GRASSHOPPER said - I'm requesting/pointing out that there is no photo of the button, one of the most significant parts of the DB when assessing origin.

 

[groooooove]

60-70s would make sense. As I said, when I bought it in '77, it looked brand new.

Oh yes, I do like this bass very much! But I didn't always -- for many years, it was a healthy instrument, but nothing special about the sound or the response. But then, in the last 5 years or so, it just acquired all this mojo. It has a voice now, everything just blossomed. Time + some setup work from Jeff Bollbach out in Long Island, NY + finding the right strings for this particular bass (Flexocor Deluxe).

Thanks to everybody who chimed in here!

did you ask jeff for info on what he thinks the bass is?

he gave me some educated guesses about my old bass. everyone who's seen it since agrees with his assesment. he knows his basses!

 

[Selim]

Hey grooove, I didn't but I surely will. No issues with the bass at the moment but maybe I'll go for a well visit!

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I understood what GRASSHOPPER said - I'm requesting/pointing out that there is no photo of the button, one of the most significant parts of the DB when assessing origin.

Sensei, you can kindasorta see the back button in photo 4677. It looks like West Germany to me, with a pronounced lip.

 

[MrPeel]

Hofner-Paesold, perhaps?

I had an early 70's Hofner (sadly sold it recently)... to my knowledge only their top of the line bass at the time had flaming on the neck (fake flame at that) and I think it was only available in violin corner. Great sounding basses though.

 

[Selim]

Sorry, I misunderstood earlier - here's a photo of the button.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Is that an ebony cap on the heel, or just a weird photo artifact?

 

[bassmanbrent]

Looks like an ebony cap to me. You can see it in the fourth shot as well...

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Is that an ebony cap on the heel, or just a weird photo artifact?

You're right, the button has an ebony garnish. It looks like a sixties bass by Benedict Lang or Hofner.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I'll buy that. The machines are correct for that general era, and I was thinking the varnish looked Hofner-ish, but aren't those usually stamped or branded on the button? Maybe a "house brand" instrument?

EDIT: Check this out. The detail work on the ebony strips to either side of the neck heel caught my eye. 5 String