Quote:
Originally Posted by Corrmac OBrien
That cornerless bass looks like a real beauty Ken, where did you find it? Was it expensive? What kind of gigs do you use it for?
|
Well, it is a very old Bass and a very good Bass sound wise. That along with the history and use of the Bass puts it in the upper class of Basses. It was owned and used by the former Principal Bassist of the Pennsylvania Ballet for over 30 years. Everyone in the Philly area knows that Bass. I was told last year by a member of the Philly Orch. that in the old Ballet Theater (which was not a good acoustical hall), you could hear that Bass thru the Orchestra up in the 'nose bleed' section (upper balcony)!
The sound is so powerful and deep, it almost hurts your ears when listening to it. You ask about its usage? Well, it will do anything you ask it to do. I played two Jazz gigs already with it. One was a Vibes/Bass duo with no amp and the other was a Piano/Bass duo where I used an old Mic. in the bridge in the amp. Sound wise, it filled the room and with regular Flexocors it has a ton of sustain. With the Bow, it's about the easiest Bass to Bow that I own. In an Orchestra, I am never drowned out by anyone or the entire section for that matter.
The price since you ask is in my opinion not high for what it does and what it is. Basses lately, the real good ones have been selling from about 140-470k from what I have seen with the old Italians with the English going for 120-150 for the best ones. This Bass was offered to me by the owner before he died for 160k. Within a few months of his passing, the Bass was evaluated by some of New Yorks finest which helped me acquire it for a lower price. It is going into restoration soon but last year, just after I got it several qualified buyers called to ask the price for the Bass as-is pre-restored. The price quoted was then 100k and for 2 months was played and used by the Principal and asst. Prin. of the National Symphony. One comment was that a 'Horn player on break came back and said 'I can hear that thing from the bathroom'. The Bass is not for sale as-is any more. After its restoration I will play it and break it back in. Then, if I decide to sell it I will set the price to reflect the market for a similar sounding Bass considering its restored condition, age and pedigree. I don't think it will be less than what my house cost!