My New Pfretzschner

[Brian Casey]

I just couldn't help myself posting my new acquisition here. Pretty much just sharing, but if anyone has any information or comments other than what I list, I'd be thrilled:

Circa 1930 G.A. Pfretzschner 3/4 carved double bass -- Markneukirchen, Germany

Branded on the inside of the back, "G.A. Pfretzschner, Markneukirchen".
Healthy top and in excellent shape for its age, bearing no major structural damage and with some superficial wear: no cracks or breaks to the neck or scroll, no cracks to bassbar or soundpost areas, and completely intact bassbar. Some older repairs. Most recent bass setup work by a D. Scott Henrie comprised installation of a new bridge and expert resetting of the vertical angle of the neck for more projection. (1930 is the estimated production year from Mr. Henrie.)

* Gamba form with curved back. Top is of wide-grained spruce; back is of two piece maple slightly figured with matching ribs. Plain maple neck. All ebony trimmings (fingerboard, nut, etc.; includes new tailpiece). Pfretzschner workshop teardrop-shaped purfling loop below the button on back
* Bridge with adjusters; also set up to accommodate a Wilson pickup
* Brass 1/4 tuning machines
* Heavy-duty brass collar endpin
* Upper bout: 51.5 cm
* Middle bout: 37.0 cm
* Lower bout: 65.3 cm
* Body length (top): 110 cm
* Body length (back): 108 cm
* Rib width: 18.7 cm
* String length: 41 1/8"

I'm still getting used to the differences between this and my Christopher 400F that I've been playing the past 2 1/2 years.

NOW, the question is what kind of PU to install on this new (to me) bass and what kind of strings. Any thoughts out there?

Huge thanks to Ken, Arnold and everyone who contributed to my search for 'an older european instrument' - I couldn't be happier with what I found....and it only took about 4 months and playing 15-20 different candidates.

Thanks again. Now it's time to get down and do some serious 'shedding.

Brian Casey