Italian or fake (hungarian)

[Martin Sheridan]

Just came across this thread. Antiquing a bass is not the same as trying to pass it off as old. Did the seller say it was old? Was the seller himself knowledgeable? Too me it looks like the bass was just stained with a very dark oil bass stain. Old basses look much different and it may take you awhile to learn how to see them. They will usually have many old cracks in the top and the sides especially at the bottom bouts. If it's a flat back it will often have old cracks in the back. As wood ages it turns brown and the older it is the darker it is. Plus both inside and outside it going to pick up a lot of dirt. The bass you picture is a new bass with a stain and some shading.

There are contemporary makers who can do a really good job distressing and instrument to look old. Many of these makers have seen the originals and might even have one in their shop. I know of no American maker who is trying to make fakes.

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