Help ID'ing old Epiphone bass

[Pinky]

Not impressed with the sound or feel of the bass. It's sounds and probably feels like it should, but it makes the case for why modern basses have come about. This is a novelty instrument IMO.

I've already told them not to keep it if it's just being kept for me to play. I go over and pluck it from time to time, but it just doesn't beat what I can get for its cost in a new electric and acoustic bass (could buy a couple really good instruments with the money from the double bass).

 

[guitar junkie]

I work in a violin shop, what I would say is to get the strings on it, fine tuners on a bass tail piece is not a big deal, since you have geared tuners on a bass anyway... Cello pegs would be a pain though....

That bass could be worth a great deal, is it made of solid wood? or ply wood? I think those were German Imports but I can't be sure, have to ask my boss... It looks like you have yourself a treasure for sure!

 

[guitar junkie]

it takes some strength to play a bass, and a lot of power to get the tones out of them, if you would take it too a good setup man, they can get those things to where they are smooth and silky.... But upright basses are NOT for wussy people to tink around on

 

[Pinky]

But upright basses are NOT for wussy people to tink around on

Now wait a second.

Just because I don't like the instrument because it offers me nothing in the way of tonal quality or playability doesn't mean I can't 'handle' it. If anything, I'm rather good at playing it and to my surprise could find the notes on it without any aid. That being said, trying to get pleasing or room filling sound out of it is like trying to get an acid burn victim nominated at a beauty pageant. Simply comes down to 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. I think some are drawn to these for nostalgic reasons, but it certainly doesn't play like a quality instrument nor does it sound like a $2,000-$3,000 bass. For that money I can get 2 basses that would run circles around this monstrosity.

I should probably shut up if they ever want to sell it, this thread is near the top of google's results for this bass model.

 

[Milnoque]

Am I correct in thinking that that bass has a solid carved top and laminated back and sides?

Anyway, It may take some hours of playing time to get it to fully open up and give you the tone it's capable of. Acoustic instruments that sit for long periods without being played often forget how to sing as well as they can. Please give it some serious love before you decide it's just a display piece. You may well be amply rewarded.

 

[zorf]

Can i just jump in here for a second?

1) I think you shoud keep it. But only if you, or someone in your family, is going to play it. This is an oppurtinity to stretch your musical tastes ( and
your fingers). If you need to pay for an organ transplant, that's different.
But if you sell it to buy a couple of planks with pickups, you will be sorry later. Give it a year, it takes a while to get the hang of it. One hour a day.

Warning: you will get so many invitations to be the bass player, you will have a hard time getting people to take you seriously as a guitar player. Don't worry about the callousus, they will dissapear.
If you have a room thats big enough, get a stand and leave it out.
It's a great conversation piece/ prop/ artwork. You are much more likely to play it if it's not in the closet in it's bag.

2) Take it to a real shop that deals with bass violins. Have it appraised and
get an estimate for a setup. I'll bet there are at least two in cincy that can deal with it competenly.

3) If you are going to keep it, you will need a good bag. They have really good ones now, but not cheap. Think twice about dragging it all over to show off to people unless it's a beater and appraises for less that $1000.

4) If you install a pickup, get one that doesn't deface the instrument.
They have great non intrusive ones now.

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/basslink.cfm

Great site. also check out the upright section of the TALKBASS forums.

 

[Pinky]

Zorf, thanks for the reply. We still have it and I have toyed with it a few times. I still think the "planks with pickups" sound better and have more versatility than this beast, but it isn't without its charm. You're 100% correct about it being a conversation piece. It's in our living room and the first thing people notice. We were going to wrap lights around it and use it as our "festivus" tree this year.