Description
This 1957 Wenzl Wilfer “Voigt & Geiger” reissue model replicates the 3/4 size “pancake” style basses that became popular during the touring swing orchestra days of the 1930s and WWII era. The shallower ribs allowed the bass to ride in its canvas cover in a touring bus seat next to the player, rather than in the outside roof rack or hot luggage hold under the bus. The shallower ribs do not affect the large jazz pizz voice at all. These kinds of basses remain very popular in the traditional swing-jazz communities in Europe and in the United States. As with most Wenzl Wilfer basses the woods choices are outstanding in quality for a commercial shop instrument. As would be standard for many 1930s era basses, the neck is Eb configuration, designed in the gut string age. The German spruce top is of evenly spaced moderate grain width. The tap tones are responsive and musically rich. The German maple neck, back, and rib are evenly flame figured and straight grained. The engraved halfplate tuning machines have been well maintained and turn smoothly. The Aubert Lux bridge has had adjusters installed. The ULSA endpin is the 10 mm steel rod type. The amber varnish finish was lightly applied and reveals the beauty of the German woods used. The dimensions are: Top length 43 5/8″, Upper bout width 20″, Middle bout width 14 3/4″, Lower bout width 25 7/8″, Rib depth at tail 5 5/8″, Rib depth at upper bout corner 5 1/4″, Rib depth at neck joint 4 3/4″, String length 43 1/4″. This is an especially fine instrument for playing traditional swing-jazz. Currently string with Pirastro Evah Pirazzi weich strings to simulate the feel and round tone of gut strings. With cover.
