Interesting pre-1900 3-string DB on eBay

[Clarky]

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

[Happy Jack]

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.

[Clarky]

[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

[fatgoogle]

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.

[Clarky]

[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!

[iiipopes]

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.

[paddy109]

3 strings that's one more than I usually play!

[Marc S]

[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?