Wilfer bass price?

[Dave Watts]

Hello Everyone,

I'm living in Montreal and there are two wilfer basses for sale. One is a 1957 and the other one is around the same age (I'm still waiting to find out). They're both going for the same price $12 000 CDN or $11 300 USD. Does this seem like the price is in the right ball park? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Dave Watts

[Dave Watts]

As a follow-up, I'm assuming these are Anton Wilfer basses. And I think they were both bought in Montreal when Anton had his shop here.

Thanks,

Dave

[Ken Smith]

I was under the impression that they might be Wenzel Wilfer if they are from the '50s. What does the label say? I have seen labels from Anton Wilfer from the 1930's and Wenzel Wilfer (aka WBW) from the '50s and '60s. The name should be on the label as to which was running the shop back then.

I think the Wilfer's although nicely made are not quite as robust as the earlier Pfretzschner/Morelli Basses that were imported. The two high end Wilfer's I owned (Anton 1936 and Wenzel c.1966 or earleir) were Juzek imports with the Wilfer name left intact.

Can you post some pics of the Bass? I might be able to tell if it was a Juzek model or not. As for the price, it seems to be a Retail one and one the high side for a shop Bass unless it is one of the higher grade handmade ones. Unfortunately with these Basses the fancier ones do not necessarily sound better than the plain Jane Juzek models. This is one of the reasons I am cautious of the price.

[Dave Watts]

Hey Ken,

Thanks for the great information. I'm hoping to be able to take the bass home for a couple of days this weekend (it's a private sale). I tried the bass for a little while and it sounds great, it's a 7/8's so it has a big husky sound. If it all works out, I'll take some pictures and post them. One last thing, as I'm still learning, there are three wilfers (I know about Emannuel and Anton)? On another note; I'm also planning on going down to New York to try a bunch of instruments. Thanks,

Dave Watts

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Watts

Hey Ken,

Thanks for the great information. I'm hoping to be able to take the bass home for a couple of days this weekend (it's a private sale). I tried the bass for a little while and it sounds great, it's a 7/8's so it has a big husky sound. If it all works out, I'll take some pictures and post them. One last thing, as I'm still learning, there are three wilfers (I know about Emannuel and Anton)? On another note; I'm also planning on going down to New York to try a bunch of instruments. Thanks,

Dave Watts

The point was to show me the Bass BEFORE you work it out or pay for it so you can get some better advice. I have a few Basses here as well if you get out my way. A lot of Basses in NY. Not many of them to bring home though.

[Dave Watts]

Ken,

Sorry I meant I would take the bass and try it for a few days before I would buy it. I know this is a silly 'canadian' question but how far are you from New York?

Dave

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Watts

Ken,

Sorry I meant I would take the bass and try it for a few days before I would buy it. I know this is a silly 'canadian' question but how far are you from New York?

Dave

About 90-100 miles depending on from which point. I get into the city in about 2 hours or less depending on traffic. With traffic, a bit more..

[Dave Watts]

Very, very tempting.......I'm going to try and fit it into my trip (it would be great to see the shop). I'll let you know when I'm coming up.

Dave