Info on Calvin Baker/Asa White

[Shawn Charniga]

If he would have been upfront with me about the estimate, I would have paid his $3k asking price and rolled the dice. Rewarding dishonest behavior with piles of cash seemed like a bad idea.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Shawn Charniga

If he would have been upfront with me about the estimate, I would have paid his $3k asking price and rolled the dice. Rewarding dishonest behavior with piles of cash seemed like a bad idea.

It's all about the bass, not so much pride or honor. If you like the bass for a price, get it and have it restored. Afterwards, it's all old news and no one will care!

[Shawn Charniga]

That's what Merchant told me after the fact, but like the saying goes, not with my money!

As I said above, I ended up buying a sweet Solano for less money from a very nice person who has since become a friend. I'm satisfied with the outcome.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Shawn Charniga

That's what Merchant told me after the fact, but like the saying goes, not with my money!

As I said above, I ended up buying a sweet Solano for less money from a very nice person who has since become a friend. I'm satisfied with the outcome.

Romano is a nice guy. I have spoken with him on the phone and have played in sections with 2 of his basses as well.

[Shawn Charniga]

Same experience here. I called him with the measurements, and he remembered precisely the batch of instruments that included this one. It's robust, sounds great under the bow, and was ready to play, which is just what I wanted. Not having to deal with cartage, restoration costs and shady people was the icing on the cake.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Shawn Charniga

Same experience here. I called him with the measurements, and he remembered precisely the batch of instruments that included this one. It's robust, sounds great under the bow, and was ready to play, which is just what I wanted. Not having to deal with cartage, restoration costs and shady people was the icing on the cake.

Ok, so it worked out for you. BUT, an older restored bass is something you wont know with the Solano as no one lives long enough to see a new bass get old.

[Shawn Charniga]

True. It's not quite 20 years old and still moves around a fair amount as the seasons change, but it sounds quite good for what it is. I'm retired from performance for the foreseeable future, so I have no need for a world class instrument.