Clarky Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Bit battered but very cool IMHO http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRE-1900-CARVED-3-STRING-GERMAN-MITTENWALD-DOUBLE-BASS-MAPLE-SPRUCE-BLUEGRASS-/181429312449?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Sting_Instruments&hash=item2a3e079bc1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Given the number and variety of repairs, that would definitely have to be try before you buy! Doesn't look as if the end-pin extends, does it? At 69" tall overall, that would only work for a very short bass player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1409039392' post='2535626'] Given the number and variety of repairs, that would definitely have to be try before you buy! Doesn't look as if the end-pin extends, does it? At 69" tall overall, that would only work for a very short bass player. [/quote] True but I believe unconverted 3-string DBs are rare as hen's teeth. Re: endpin, could always get one from Ben Bastin on BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatgoogle Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Original 3 strings are very rare because not many of them were actually made. Many 4 strings were converted to 3 strings and then back to 4 strings when more playable strings came into existence and with improved technique. For instance In France they were playing 4 strings at the same time as London orchestras were playing three strings and Berlin was using a lot of 5ths tuning. Id say its only about the 1920's or so that 4 strings tuned in 4ths came about. It's why even in period correct orchestra's you don't see many if any 3 strings as they aren't necessarily period correct. Bottesini used one for tension purposes and thats sort of why a lot of people think they're the norm. Looks a bit rubbish though that bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 [quote name='fatgoogle' timestamp='1409040281' post='2535634'] Looks a bit rubbish though that bass. [/quote] I think it has a certain WIthnail & I type charm and I wouldn't cack myself gigging it, whereas I would with a shiny new several-£k luthier bass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iiipopes Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Hmm. The repairs look fine, but again, if you can play it before you purchase it, that would be best. It does look original, as there are no tell-tale signs that anything about the pegbox has been altered or replaced. My main concern is the neck repair: is that solid wood, or a veneer covering a different kind of repair that may not be as stable? One traditional tuning for 3-string basses was G-D-G, or true fifths with G-D-A. With only a 40 inch mensure, that makes the bass more like a "5/8," but with a "3/4" body. Depending on your hand size, that might work well. I had to "false nut" my bass down an inch so I could reach the F to f 1/2 position octave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy109 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 3 strings that's one more than I usually play! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 [quote name='paddy109' timestamp='1409088454' post='2536297'] 3 strings that's one more than I usually play! [/quote] I saw this bass on ebay too Looks very interesting, at least and I did wonder whether it would make DB playing a bit easier Does appear a bit knocked about - but I guess that's commensurate with age? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.