Info on my 1900's German 7/8 shop bass

[Chris Brunhaver]

Wow, the man himself. Thanks for the quick reply Ken.

On a off topic aside, if I ever strike the lotto, I'd love to buy your J. Hart bass. It is almost the spitting image of my college prof Barry Lieberman's Fendt Maggini, which I had the privilege of playing a number of times during my 5-6 years studying with him. The funny things thing was that, he discussed a number of times selling that bass to his best student when he stopped playing for good. Unfortunately, I am not that best student but still really appreciate the old instruments and the living document of your website showing some of these beauties.

As for my bass, even though I'm a pretty big guy at 6'2" and have big hands, the reason I would sell it would be to get a smaller instrument. The sound is certainly there but you need to work for it a bit in the upper registers, particularly.

I will call these dealers mentioned and see what their thoughts are and I certainly very much appreciate your feedback.

[Chris Brunhaver]

By the way, I took these pictures at night with a flash and so the bass isn't really shiny at all and is somewhat darker in color.

It still had a little bit of shine, as I think the previous owner had a French polish done along with some of the top repairs.

I'll get some pictures in natural light (for the purpose of selling it, at least).

-Chris

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Chris Brunhaver

Wow, the man himself. Thanks for the quick reply Ken.

On a off topic aside, if I ever strike the lotto, I'd love to buy your J. Hart bass. It is almost the spitting image of my college prof Barry Lieberman's Fendt Maggini, which I had the privilege of playing a number of times during my 5-6 years studying with him. The funny things thing was that, he discussed a number of times selling that bass to his best student when he stopped playing for good. Unfortunately, I am not that best student but still really appreciate the old instruments and the living document of your website showing some of these beauties.

As for my bass, even though I'm a pretty big guy at 6'2" and have big hands, the reason I would sell it would be to get a smaller instrument. The sound is certainly there but you need to work for it a bit in the upper registers, particularly.

I will call these dealers mentioned and see what their thoughts are and I certainly very much appreciate your feedback.

Ok, call them. It can't hurt. On the Lottery, you only need the winning ticket to BUY it. Playing it is less if just for a few brief moments..

[Chris Brunhaver]

Bah. Just called a couple and, while the guys are extremely nice and professional, and I will wait to hear back from them on their thoughts etc., I don't think it will be worth me shipping a bass trunk to and from and the pay commission etc. If I had a bass at $40k, I think it would be a different story and would definitely consider going that route.

I would rather give a local or west coast guy a deal on what has been a really great instrument for me.