Welcome to the Bass Café. Upright, double
basses for sale.
A place that offers a very special blend of upright, double
basses for sale. Grown and aged, some as long as 200 years!
Because of our ever changing menu, we will try to update this page
as often as possible. Here you will find up to date pictures,
measurements and brief descriptions of what is known about each
upright bass that is for sale which includes upright double basses
from Czech, German, French, English, Italian and Chinese origin. For
more in depth details in any particular upright bass, it is best to
call or email. Please
keep in mind that we ship anywhere in the USA. Looking for a
great carved upright bass, but under $5,000? The Wan-Bernadels are famous and now compete with basses
much higher in price. From serious amateurs to the most dedicated
professional bassist....they are working with a Wan.
We've gone through a lot of upright double basses this year. A lot
of them not even making it on our web site. Because of the busy
turnaround, it sometimes resembles a 'bass-revolving door': Basses
coming and basses going! We'll try to keep things more current here,
but you can always email us from time to time and ask for any
updates or give us your information about a particular bass, sound
or price you need. Do you need to stay under the $3k range, and
looking at Hybrids? Check out our new link of upright basses under $3,000.
John Osborne, upright bass, England, C.1920
Here is a great upright bass by John Osborne. This
bass bass is made in the true English tradition, with slightly more
broader shoulders (still a little sloped near the neck for easier
playing.) Inside the bass, the label reads: John
Osborne, Farley Street, Leamington Spa, October 18, 1920.The
measurements: 21 3/4" across the upper bouts, 26" lower bouts,
44 1/4" back, and only 41 5/8" for the string length. It is a
very playable bass. This bass was at one point owned by the
great, Monty Budwig (jazz bassist) who passed away sometime
ago and for the past 10-15 years was owned and played in a major
American symphony orchestra. Sound-wise it's clear and carries
well in any setting and is a very versatile bass. (People
often ask us: "What makes a great jazz bass or what makes a great
classical bass?" Well, our answer is simple, "Great basses are
just great basses and one should be able to play a 'great'
bass in any genre." This is such a bass. Be sure to
click on any photo shown here for a larger, more detailed image.
Jerôme Thibouville Lamy, bass, c.1890.
This bass, has had a lovely history of being played in some of
the world's great orchestras and fittingly, this is another 'great',
bass offered at the Bass Cafe. It was recently restored
and is in beautiful condition. Although this bass was used
pretty extensively in professional orchestra settings, it is one of
those great basses that belongs wherever the player chooses to take
it. It has a great punchy, clear spiccato and a well developed
range. No weaknesses on this bass. It has the classic
reddish-brown (French) varnish with a beautiful flat back with the
famous, "false" neck button (the French makers sometimes did this to
show off the "regular" violin/cello outline, but still giving the
bass an easier sloped should near the neck stand to make it easier
to play on. Inside, the label reads: Jerôme Thibouville Lamy, 1890. The bass
measurements: upper bouts, 19 3/4", lower bouts, 26 1/2", back 44"
and string length is 41 3/4". Be sure to click on any photo
shown here for a larger, more detailed image.
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Leon Mortin double bass, Mirecourt, c.1905
A double bass, by Leon Mortin, Mirecourt, France (1905).
One of the most awesome upright basses on the planet for sure!
There is a maker's label inside this bass which reads: Ancienne Maison Vuillaume Darte et Cunin Leon Mortin. Luthier,
Mirecourt 1905), but we have seen another similar upright,
which was made by Leon Fischesser-Shollet whom lived
to Paris in 1905 (the same year that the bass was made.) The
most striking and obvious highlight of this bass is the magnificent
lion's head scroll carving. It is a good sized scroll and very
detailed.; (Even the back of the scroll has an incredible array
of the back of a lion's mane.) Everything about this bass
breathes elegance from the scroll, to the perfect curves of the form
outline and violin corners, to the perfect exquisite (Strad) style
f-holes. More so than anything though is the way the bass
plays. It is a clear, focused bass and very responsive.
Was played in major orchestra for many years. Beautifully
carved back (with lots of flame!) This is a bass which you can
hear 10 feet away as well as all way up in the balcony seats.
SOLD
Juzek upright bass?
Another old upright bass, possibly by Jan Juzek. There is
some hand writing on the directly on the inside back making note of
the new top that was replaced in 1934. It's a nice bass.
Flat back and gamba shaped with a nice low C-extension in it.
Has a nice dark chestnut varnish on it and very articulate sounding
bass. The bass is in great shape and also has the traditional
outside linings (could be a German bass too.) The upper bouts
are 20 1/2", the lower bouts 25 1/2", the back is 43" and the string
length, 41".
Old (Restoration) Bass, c.1900
It's rare that we ever put a bass up here on the Bass Cafe that's
not 100% ready for sale yet, but it is almost there and with
something so beautiful, we couldn't help it! Only a couple of
small things needed to be done: the neck was too far into the body,
making it harder to play, so we are pulled the 'neck stand' out just
a tad so that it will play perfectly. Now we'll only need to
do a little touch up, new bridge and tailpiece...done! That back is
beautiful!!! We'll soon update this section with the
providence of the bass and the measurements. Interestingly enough,
one can see how much a bass varnish can darken after 100
years. Note the lighter spots where the bridge feet normally
stand is much lighter. (Some of that too is just wear from the
bridge feet as well.) This bass should be finally ready
around the end of January or early February. Be sure to
click on any photo shown here for a larger, more detailed image.
A legendary upright bass by Georges
Mougenot
(Inside, the label reads: Georges Mougenot, luthier du
Conservatoire Lieg 1875) Mougenot was born in Mirecourt,
France in 1843 and his basses generally date around the 1870's
throughout early 1900. Lovely majestic violin form with the typical
French violin out line as well as a neck button just under the neck
heal (this is a French tradition!) This bass has a storied past in
that is the ex-Chuck Israels bass (whom played with pianist Bill
Evans.) The sound has a very wide spectrum and is very easy to
express on it: Very focused with super sustain. While it has a big,
fat sounding E string, one is pleasantly surprised when the upper
register thumb position notes sing so effortlessly as well. This
bass is a good sized 7/8 flat back, with the upper bouts are 21",
the lower bouts 26 3/4", 44 3/4" the length of the back and with the
string length, 43". SOLD
An upright bass by Johann Ullrich
Eberle, circa 1775
This is a very rare bass by the maker, Johann
Ullrich Eberle, circa 1750. Just by looking at the photos, one
can instantly see that it's different. The sound holes, are actually
referred to as viola d' Amore sound holes. This bass was found with
the original bass bar, (baroque style), original neck setting in
body etc...all still intact. It has recently undergone a total
restoration, with the exception that the neck, bass bar, and bridge
be set up to accommodate "classical" playing. This is the same exact
conversion that all old basses (and Strad violin and cellos) have
had done in order to play music literature composed (post 1800). To
our knowledge there are two other documented basses exactly like
this one: One in the Metropolitan Museum in Purchase, NY (which was
once featured in an ISB magazine. The issue and date will be shown
here at a later date.) Also, another mirror example of this bass is
in the famous Orpheon Collection. There are just too many intricate
details of this bass to get into (could write a whole book.) The
scroll is very delicately carved in every way and side. The back is
beautifully carved out in the lower heal of the scroll. The upper
bouts are 20 3/8" with the lower bouts measuring 25". The back is
traditionally flat, and measures 41 3/8" whereas the top is 41 7/8".
Tonally, very sweet, and sounds much like a great Italian solo bass
would sound: Warm, very responsive. A rare and incredible bass!
There are more double basses here.
Upright bass by Jacquet-Gand c.1860
Another great French bass by Jacquet-Gand made sometime around 1860. The maker of this upright was
more than likely Gabriel Jacquet (known as Jaquet-Gand for marrying
into the Gand family). See the Wan-Bernadel upright basses for more on Gand-Bernadel. Looking over this bass
closely one quickly gets a sense of history and the feeling of it's
uniqueness. The bass has just recently undergone a total
restoration, which included a beautiful neck graft and total set up.
This bass is a nice size where it is big enough to fill the sound of
a big hall, but small enough to get around and play on. A full 3/4 size bass. The upper bouts measure 20 1/8", the lower
bouts 25 3/4", and the length of the back, 44" The
string length is 42".The back is the traditional French (Gand) flat
back and there is a stately raised edge all around the back and the
front as well. (See photos). The top has a nice arching of
spruce whereas the rest of the bass, traditional figured maple.
This bass plays as one would expect on a master bass: Full focused
sound with a ton of cushion all around it. While it was owned and
played by a prominent jazz bassist, it is now set up to play in an
orchestral setting. It's an all around, great bass! SOLD
Luciano
Golia
This bass is by Luciano Golia, Alpignano,Italy
2006. Signor Golia individually names every bass that he makes!
This one is called the "Iracondo". It is made in the beautiful
Italian tradition, with a sweeping Maggini violin outline and
elegant violin corners. Arched (carved) back and sides are made of
poplar from the Velle Padana region of Italy. The top is spruce that
came from Velle de Fiemme. It has a darker side in look and sound.
Very even and easy to play. The string length is 41 1/2", the upper
bouts 19 1/2", the lower bouts 26 1/2" the back is 43 1/2". SOLD
German upright
This is a very nice, flat-backed, German upright
bass, possibly by Muller (circa 1920). It has a nice slender taper
to the shoulders. With the upper bouts 19 1/2", the lower bouts, 25
3/4", the back is 42" and the string length is only 40 7/8. It's a
3/4 size bass, but has a smaller string length that is very easy to
play all the way around. It's a nice, clean bass which has recently
undergone a complete restoration. Need our email address?
Benjamin Patochka upright
bass
This bass is probably made by the maker, Benjamin
Patochka, in 1931. It bears the label, Benjamin Patochka, houslar,
Jicine, Cechy, 1931. There are records that Ben's son, Josef
also used his father's label in his basses as well. This is a very
cool bass for several reasons: It is pretty much in the original
state with the exception to the typical restorations that a good
bass should have from time to time. Even the tuners appear to be
original, although it has been updated with a nice ebony
fingerboard, bridge and setup. Patochka is considered one of the
best Czech masters. He made an incredible number of instruments
(even with the son's help). In Jalovec's Violin Makers of Bohemia
book, he states that "Patochka numbered all his instruments", (this
bass is numbered #5949 which is hand written on the original label.)
Benjamin died in 1931, the same year that this bass was to have been
made. Josef (the son), was a WWI hero who fought for Czech
independence then eventually died in 1943 as a martyr in a Nazi
concentration camp. (I hate to dramatize, but it's so rare that we
get any in depth background on any maker and I think it helps us
realize the person behind the instruments and always adds to it's
historical perspective.) How it sounds! The bass has a nice solid
fundamental and dark sound. (It's very unique and special.) It has
normal measurements: string length is 42", back is 43", the
shoulders 20" and lower bouts 25". Email us.
Schoenbach upright bass
This is another Schoenbach upright bass, 1910 (i.e.
Czech/German). It has lots of nice character to it's make and tone:
One can trace the purfled cello outline on the back as well as the
front, even though it's still gamba shaped (that is, no violin
corners.) The measurements are upper bouts 20 1/2", lower
bouts 25 1/2", length of back 43 3/4", and the string length is 40
7/8".
German flat back bass
A good, old bass (probably German) 1920's. Flat
back, with newer ebony tuners (hat peg style). The shoulders are 20
1/2" apart, 26" for the lower bouts, 43" and a very manageable
string length of 41 3/8". It has an interesting neck made from oak.
A well maintained bass. Plays very well with lots of sustain.
Mittenwald bass
This is a very nice Mittenwald upright. (Germany,
circa 1900) Flat backed construction, gamba shaped with the lovely
reddish-brown varnish. It has a nice big, rounded sounded. It's a
fun bass to have because it sounds great with any brand of string,
or in any kind of setting. Very versatile in that way. It is in
excellent, newly restored condition. The back measures 43", the
upper bouts (shoulders) 21", lower bouts 25 1/2" and the string
length is 42 3/8". SOLD
Carved back German double
bass
This is a another good, sturdy, older carved back,
German upright for sale. Probably around 70 years old. A
restored 3/4 size, it has had some cracks along the ribs, but well
repaired and pretty solidly made. Has the original orange-brown
varnish. It was recently added to our collection with a nice, new
setup. Length of the back on this one: 43", upper bouts 19 1/2",
lower bouts 25" and the string length 41 3/8". Has a nice, warmer
tone with a big low end.
This double bass is by an unknown maker, probably
Bohemian (Czech) or Austrian, circa 1890. (It has a 1975 repair
label dating "Zyka, 1975", It has a round carved back and lovely
dark, reddish-brown varnish. The edges are flush on this bass which
would keep with this tradition from basses in Austria as well. It is
in great condition. Length of back 43", upper bouts are 19 1/2",
lower bouts 25" and the string length 41 7/8". This bass plays
evenly throughout all registers with it sloped shoulders, quite easy
to get around on. Come out for a visit. Airfare to Phoenix from just
about every city in the USA is cheap.
It has no label, though it's more than likely a
German, upright bass. Circa 1890's. It has a good flat back
construction which tapers off into the neck black. The bass is
covered with a lovely, warm brown amber varnish. The sides and
particularly the back have some nice flaming in the wood grain as
well. All though it's a normal 3/4 bass, it has slightly wider upper
bouts (shoulders) at 20", the lower bouts 26", back length 43" and a
nice string length of 41 3/8". This upright has just recently been
restored and is in fantastic shape. A very special bass! (See more
double basses for sale at the More upright
Double Basses link.
Heinrich Gill
Upright bass by Heinrich Gill of Germany; 2005. It
has tons of character and even for a new bass sounds warm and even
throughout. It is in mint condition of course, but has that older
more developed varnish. It is an exact copy of the famous Enrique
Ceruti bass. I personally like the new (Italian style) contemporary
tuners on it as it adds to its uniqueness. The back is 43 1/2, the
upper bouts are 20" apart and the lower bouts 26". The string length
on this bass is 40 5/8". A good bass! SOLD
L. Herclik, Koln
This was double bass made in Cologne, Germany
around early to mid 1900's. It's in great condition and has a nice
darker sound. It has the typical outside linings (along the outer
ribs) and interesting shaped tuners (eye shaped). It has a flat back
style construction which slopes inward towards the butt of the neck.
It also has a new flamed neck graft. (retaining the original
scroll.) The string length is only 41 3/16", the back 42 1/4", the
upper bouts 21" and lower bouts 25 1/2". The slightly wider
shoulders help give it a bigger, warm projecting sound. SOLD
Ladislav Prokop
This upright bass is by Ladislav Prokop, 1934. It
has a beautiful dark, reddish-brown varnish and also has the outside
linings as found on the Stowasser bass. It has a carved, round back
and is also in excellent condition. It has a sweet dark tone, but
also very full and projecting. The shoulders measure 19", lower
bouts 25" and the length of the back 42". The string length is 42". SOLD
For more information you can call or email us at basses@stringemporium.com
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