The "Heifetz" Bass.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

You could have paid considerable $ for an opinion like the one by Ken (above), which is 100% on the money, IMHO. Your bass is very nice, but likely built on the cusp of the 20th century. BTW, jazz bassist Bill Crow has a bass that is nearly identical to yours...

Arnold, thanks for the compliment! Can I apply for a Job in your shop as 'Appraiser?

By the way, Bill's Bass was one of the ones similar to the 'Heifetz' that I have seen. I remember when that came in your shop for repair and it was previously appraised as French. I then gave somewhat a similar verbal opinion of it as well. The Bass that Phil M. just bought from my friend here in Philly was along the same lines, Pre 'Wilfer-style production German Basses'. These come in a few flavors. Some of them look German. Some look French and some of them look English. All of them that fit that 'non-factory' type style and are well made, good sounding Basses. Sometimes they are even mistaken for Italian but that is usually more wishful thinking (or creative dealer selling) that factual appraising.