Yet another bass ID

[Dave Watts]

Hello,

I'm looking at buying a new bass and I took home what I'm told is a Wilfer. The only thing that is written in the inside is "made in Germany". This bass was bought in Montreal in 1957 and was supposedly a Wilfer, but I would love to know what Wilfer anyone might think this would be. My other question is that the bass is going for $10, 000 CAD, which is around $11,000 USD, do you think this is appropriate. I think it was appraised between 12,000 - 15, 000 CAD. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Dave

[Dave Watts]

Here's the remaining pictures. Thanks,

Dave Watts

[Ken Smith]

Depending on the year, the shop was either run by Wenzel Wilfer or Emanuelle Wilfer. 10-11k is a big price to pay now for a new Wilfer when so many old Wilfer/Juzek Basses are in circulation and available. The question is, what could YOU sell it for tomorrow if you decide to get something else.

Today, it is not hard to find a Bass well made in China that easily competes with the German Shop Basses. Not long ago I heard that the Wilfer Basses were made by a subbed out Shop in Mittenwald that makes various brands on contract. Still, Wilfers, Juzeks and many other similar German Basses have always been considered as just 'Shop Basses'.

For the value and tone delivered, I would shop for price as well. The new Amati Model Basses I just had made sound as good or better than any newish Wilfer I've played or heard.

Now, if I posted pics of them here for ID what origin would you have guessed?

[Dave Watts]

Hey Ken,

Thanks for your input! My gut feeling was this bass was priced a little high, and it's nice to have that confirmed. It's a very good sounding instrument, but I'm going to hold off until I find something I really fall in love with. On another note, it's really interesting to hear how great the Chinese instruments are and also the basses you just got in (Amati). These are good times for people looking for a good instrument under $9000. Thanks again for your help!

Dave

[Dave Watts]

One last thing, I did mention this bass is from 1957?

Dave

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Dave Watts

My gut feeling was this bass was priced a little high...
Dave

This bass reminds me of a Juzek labeled "master art" bass from the mid sixties that sold in Chicago for around $13,000. It was a very nice bass in good shape with better finish condition than the one you are considering. I seem to recall the back and sides were more highly flamed also.

I own a Juzek "masterart" 1955 labeled gamba shaped bass that sounds almost identical to the above instrument. In my recent bass search I couldn't find a better sounding well set up instrument for less than $17,000 at the many shops I visited.

This seems to be top dollar for a Wilfer of this type and age and at that price, it has to sound better to you than other less costly but well made basses for it to make sense. The only way for you to know how good it sounds is to play a lot of basses and to listen to someone else play them, too.

[Dave Watts]

Eric,

I know what you mean, I'm having problems finding a instrument that sounds better than what I have right now, and I've tried alot of basses in the past month. Interesting that you say it looks like your Juzek, it sounds like a juzek.

Dave