Bass Oddity- Swanson DB.

[Brian Gencarelli]

Hey Everybody,

Been reading, but haven't had much time or anything to post about... until now.

I have in my possesion a Swanson double bass made in Pittsburg, PA in 1974. It is a bass belonging to a colleague in the Asheville Symphony. She purchased this bass on Ebay and when it arrived it was MUCH too big for her to play. She knew it was in bad shape, and was planning on restoring it. She has asked me to either sell as is or do some work to make it playable and sell. I am at a crossroads here and I want to get some opinions on this bass. I am also contacting Bruce Wallace as I am told that he is the Swanson expert.

I just wanted to share this piece of American History with you guys, especially Ken Smith and let me know what you think of this strange bass.

BTW, it sounds pretty good when I actually bring it up to tension to show it.

The measurements:

Overall length- 76"
Top table- 46"
Back table to button- 47"

Bottom bout- 27.25"
C- bout- 17.75"
Uppper bout- 23"

Bottom ribs- 9"
C bout- 9.25"
Upper ribs taper to- 7.25"

Mensure- 41.5"

See pictures at: http://s424.photobucket.com/albums/pp322/bgencare/

BG