The "Heifetz" Bass.

[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...

[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.

[Ken Smith]

To make it easier to view, I will load some of Brian's pictures here;

[Brian Gencarelli]

Ken- thanks for that info. I have heard so many varying opinions about the bass... I got the information on the age from a letter that was given to me by the family of the previous player. It was from Kenneth Warren and Son- dated 1954. (I have some knowledge of their reputation in the business) I truly appreciate your experience and knowledge in the field.

Arnold- Thanks for the info on Bill Crow. I hadn't seen that bass before. It does look similar, but hard to tell from the low res pics on his site. Maybe I will try to contact him to compare notes.

I really don't care what year the bass is. It has a wonderful sound and I feel like I got a good deal on it 10 years ago. I am thinking about having a restoration done, as I haven't had any work, other than putting on the extension and adjusting the post done since I bought it. Would you have any suggestions about things I should have done? (Since you have encountered some of these type instruments before) I have had one estimate around $5,500. The hardest part about doing the restoration is being without the bass for that long!

BG

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Brian Gencarelli

Ken- thanks for that info. I have heard so many varying opinions about the bass... I got the information on the age from a letter that was given to me by the family of the previous player. It was from Kenneth Warren and Son- dated 1954. (I have some knowledge of their reputation in the business) I truly appreciate your experience and knowledge in the field.

Arnold- Thanks for the info on Bill Crow. I hadn't seen that bass before. It does look similar, but hard to tell from the low res pics on his site. Maybe I will try to contact him to compare notes.

I really don't care what year the bass is. It has a wonderful sound and I feel like I got a good deal on it 10 years ago. I am thinking about having a restoration done, as I haven't had any work, other than putting on the extension and adjusting the post done since I bought it. Would you have any suggestions about things I should have done? (Since you have encountered some of these type instruments before) I have had one estimate around $5,500. The hardest part about doing the restoration is being without the bass for that long!

BG

What's broken? What needs to be done? What if any modifications are on your mind? Why do you feel this Bass needs a restoration?

From your photos, I can't see any problems but perhaps you can fill us in on what we can't see in the pics.

[Nathan Parker]

What is the C-Extension made of? I've never seen one that wasn't ebony, at least not to my knowledge. Quite a fine looking bass. I really like the form of the body.

[Brian Gencarelli]

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

What is the C-Extension made of? I've never seen one that wasn't ebony, at least not to my knowledge. Quite a fine looking bass. I really like the form of the body.

Hey Nathan,

Thanks for the compliments. I made the extension out of Honduran Mahogany with a lacewood fingerboard and capos. I like to try different woods and I am a wannabe luthier. I thought about ebony, but liked the way this looked.

BG

[Brian Gencarelli]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

What's broken? What needs to be done? What if any modifications are on your mind? Why do you feel this Bass needs a restoration?

From your photos, I can't see any problems but perhaps you can fill us in on what we can't see in the pics.

Ken-

It has some open cracks, especially in the ribs. The top is solid and so is the back. The edges are chewed up and some of the corners are missing. It needs a new endpin,bridge, and set-up. Maybe "overhaul" is a better term. I was thinking of correcting the overstand of the neck, but don't want to add too much string length?

There is nothing that can't wait until tomorrow, but I want to have a plan. I just want to see my instrument in "tip-top" condition and see if there is any more sound in there? (Not that it is really lacking in that department, but...)

BG