Another old bass ID...

[Ken Smith]

It would be nice if you said what it is they are selling it as instead of keeping secrets.

This is the 3rd bass like this with that same carving in the back button which is distinctive. I think the other 2 were called French basses, maybe one was named and were dated to the 19th century, mid and latter part each.

What it actually is I don't know. They gears are not typical French but French-like, more so than German. And yes, the pics are not great but there is a possibility that this is German, but one of the nicer ones made to look French.

Only one of them did I see in person and I am no closer now to naming it as I was then.

So, what is it selling as? Measurements might be helpful as well, in inches.

[Carl Egbert]

It's a very small bass; upper bouts are 19.5", lower are 26", body length is 42", Ribs are 8" at their deepest. It's selling as early 19th century French. The only bass from this time period I've ever really heard of is the Karr-Koussevitzky bass, which is actually fairly similar in pattern and size to this instrument. For reference: http://www.anderson-group.com/isb/im...itzky-bass.jpg

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Carl Egbert

It's a very small bass; upper bouts are 19.5", lower are 26", body length is 42", Ribs are 8" at their deepest. It's selling as early 19th century French. The only bass from this time period I've ever really heard of is the Karr-Koussevitzky bass, which is actually fairly similar in pattern and size to this instrument. For reference: http://www.anderson-group.com/isb/im...itzky-bass.jpg

Those two bass have nothing to do with each other in any way. The Karr/Kous. bass is cut down and possibly a composite. Some believe it is German. I have played it for a few minutes only. No one really knows what it is.

On the bass you listed, it is complete and un-altered, in a cello model shape with roundback. Once you have seen 100 or more old basses, your eyes will auto-re-adjust.

They might be correct on the origin or they could be wrong. Arnold Schnitzer had one in the shop not long ago, the exact same maker/model. Ask him, I would!

[Carl Egbert]

Interesting, I didn't know that the Karr-Koussevitzky bass was cut down.

I will send an email to Arnold. Thanks for your help!

[Eric Hochberg]

Is that this bass? www.allthingsbass.com

Go to carved basses, 19th C. Purported Mirecourt.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

Is that this bass? www.allthingsbass.com

Go to carved basses, 19th C. Purported Mirecourt.

No, not the exact bass but one like it. That is one of the three I have seen. One was in person, no pics but I remembered seeing that one at first.

[Carl Egbert]

Correct, that's a different instrument. It does look almost identical, though; same shape and size, same weird button, same or very similar tuners, even the flaming of the wood on the back is really similar. The one I'm trying out now is in worse shape overall, although everything has been repaired pretty well including an excellent scroll graft and setup. Have you played that bass, Eric? How does it sound/play?