Otto Rubner, Markneukirchen c.1930 (Germany) NFS

[Ken Smith]

Attributed to Otto Rubner c.1930. Having seen several Rubner and Meyer basses pictured and some in person, the tuners in the reverse order is the first thing that came to mind for Meyer. Then the purfling around the top but not the back was another clue for me. Meyer basses made later have the upper top shaped more squarely by the neck block but the earliest ones go around like the French Cello model Double Basses. But, in separate messages back and forth with the current Bass Master in both the Meyer and Rubner shops (Ackert), I have concluded that this IS a Rubner and not a Meyer. 'Ackert sent me pictures of two old Rubner basses he has that have the same narrow outer linings measuring only 7-8mm wide. A feature not seen on Meyer or other makers from Saxony.

Unfortunately, about 30 years ago, this bass was restored and the back button was replaced with a graft from a severe neck break. The Luthier restoring the bass also over varnished the bass over the original Amber to the current deep wine-red color. This was was in a school in the past and from the neck break, is obvious that it was probably in terrible shape before its restoration 30 years ago. The bass having only a tiny import sticker 'MADE IN GERMANY', the restorer probably didn't see what I see as far as the probably maker. Regardless, the bass is in great shape and hasn't been opened since that restoration.

The sound is fairly deep, rich and powerful sounding. Having played beside the previous owner for about a decade, I can attest to its sound. When it was restored decades ago, the neck was set way too shallow (possibly the original over-stand), making it difficult to play in thumb position. The neck heel is an Eb and also not the best for orchestra work. I have vowed to have the neck grafted and all other set-up work done to put this bass into perfect working order that it deserves including a new chromatic C-Extension. This being fairly expensive along with everything else has led to me acquiring the bass for personal use and stewardship. I think this bass deserves to be in the best playing shape possible to compliment its beautiful sound. This bass is not for sale!

Measurements:
String Length; 41 3/4"
Top/Back Length; 44" top, 44 1/2" back
Upper Bout; 19 1/2"
Middle Bout; 14 1/4"
Lower Bout; 26"
Ribs; 7 3/4" (8 1/4" w/T&B), 6 1/8" at Neck (6 5/8" w/T&B)
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Top; spruce
Back and Ribs; highly flamed maple.
Neck/Scroll; highly flamed maple.

[Ken Smith]

The outer linings are smaller the normal size usually seen on German basses, allowing the ribs to move more.

The F-holes are the earlier Rubner and A.Meyer style, both neighboring Saxon makers at the time.

The import sticker is all that is inside but there is some torn paper near it where the makers label probably once was.

Also, here's a pic from a few years ago in concert, the Rubner is the second row, outside, just behind me with my Italian..