Blockless or no? - Worth It or No?

[Kyle Jones]

There's a bass or sale in the area that I'm interested in. Seller wants $4-5k.

Eastern European, seller says circ. 1890's.

Neck trauma. Owner said the luthier that restored the instrument in the 80's estimated it happened early in the bass' life (20's). Originally nailed together with home-made nails, restored in the 80's. Looks and feels solid...

Here's a couple of shots I took of the neck through the f-holes, followed by others of the neck, lower bouts, etc.


Any knowledgeable advice appreciated!

[Kyle Jones]

Here are some more...

[Ken Smith]

Look inside. Is there a Block or a reverse side neck heel?

oops.. pic #1&2.. Smoking gun... Blockless as they come..
http://www.smithbassforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1085&d=1244319864http://www.smithbassforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1086&d=1244319874

Here's the problem. The Blocks hold the Bass together. Now when the Neck is pulled by tension, it pulls up on the back and pushes down on the Top. I bet if original inside, there is no bassbar either, just a chunk of wood from the Top shaped into a Bar.

Cost to fix and modify such a Bass in that condition, $10-$15k or more depending on the other repairs needed once the bass is opened. It needs a lot from what I can see and probably more from what I cant' see.

Value AFTER it's 100% normal construction in perfect professional repair? Well, depending on the overall condition and the sound afterwards, possibly LESS that spent overall.

I personally own a Blockless Bass (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/Tyrolean/Tyrolean.html). The sound is fantastic. One day when I have the money to burn or throw away, I will have this Bass fixed instead. Until then, I am playing it as-is.

That Bass also looks a bit small. What are 'all' the measurements? Mine is a 3/4-7/8ths depending on how you measure it. Wanna buy mine? I'll beat his price!!;)

He wants $4-5k with a cracked Neck, Bass bar and Sound post cracks and no neck block? Does he sell used cars as well?

Pass that one up!

A Blockless Bass even acquired for free can cost more to restore than it can ever be worth. Some or most of these basses were produced 'on the cheap'. Some are nice basses but that can be seen by the wood used and other work including the Purfling style, if purfled at all. The normal sized ones of that period would be about a 42" - 43" string length.

[Ken Smith]

Read through these other threads on the subject. I might makes things a bit more clear.

http://www.smithbassforums.com/showthread.php?t=764&highlight=blockless
http://www.smithbassforums.com/showthread.php?t=265&highlight=blockless
http://www.smithbassforums.com/showthread.php?t=44&highlight=blockless
http://www.smithbassforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

[Kyle Jones]

Thanks a lot, Ken. I was VERY hesitant after reading up on "blockless wonders" and the problems they can have, but I wanted to hear from some people who have experience with older basses. All the info/advice is very much appreciated.