Help with Bass Identification

[John Romey]

Yeh - I've so far been lucky! I made some minor bridge adjustments myself and this bass sounds really great. I think bass bar is healthy and there are no cracks in the back so I think repairs could be minimal. Maybe one rib repair and a few top cracks... new bridge and i'm hoping it is good to go..... could be a great jazz bass..

[John Romey]

oh and no soundpost crack.....

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by John Romey

oh and no soundpost crack.....

The more you tell me the more I think this is 20th century rather than 19th century. The overall shape with the outer linings combined convinces me that my first impression is correct. This bass would be more of a German Shop bass than German School bass so this thread should be moved to that section. Imported basses recieving labels reading 'Juzek', 'Pfretzschner', 'Morelli' and the like are all re-branded Shop basses. I don't know what this was or when it came over here but it is along those lines rather than a hand made bass from a single maker.

With the body size and over 42" string length I would classify this as a mid-wars bass (between 1920 and 1936) German/Czech/Bohemian Germanic style Shop bass. The different colors of varnish are most likely altered by 'improvers' of the past.

Wait, not soundpost cracks? Look again. This thing is split all over the place. I would get in there with a light and mirror. It looks like a huge old crack pretty close to the Post and should get a post patch type repair to play it safe.


This Top has a crack near the soundpost, one coming up from the saddle towards the post and on both sides of the bass bar. You asked about its value fully restored? That type of work might easily exceed its value I am sorry to say.

Some refer to basses like this as 'players instruments'. Although they will never make it to the Museum, they will work well in the field in general.

[John Romey]

Hmm.. sorry by soundpost crack I mean the back! I have had a bass restored with front cracks that seemed to be only a few grand to fix but ones on teh back when the crossbar has to come off I was told cost a lot more? Am I incorrect in this?

[John Romey]

Yes I was aware of all those cracks when I purchased it. Some have been repaired and some have not - no saying anything for quality of workmanship. I'm going to take it to a shop to get it looked at soon I think and hopefully can get out of this for only 2-3k. So far I only have 1500 into the bass and i think it can be playable for 2-3k more......3500 for a bass like this could be a good price for a jazz workhorse I would say?

[John Romey]

oh and thanks for all the help and information.. it has been very helpful!

[John Romey]

Ken: What do you make of these tuners? They look original and that is what is throwing me about ago - I usually see those on older basses? Were they still using them mid-war?

Thanks!