Description
This ca. 1890s German 3/4 flatback started out in life as a 3 string instrument and was later converted to 4 strings. At some point a plywood back was fit to it. More recently the plywood back was removed and Arnold Schnitzer made a very nice new maple flat back for it, using a French style taper, rather than a crease. The bass is of a medium weight in build and it has a surprisingly powerful voice, either for jazz or for orchestral applications. The top has mostly fine grain structure and a balanced tap tone response. The original sides are also of a medium build weight, adding to the solid response. Arnold Schnitzer made a medium weight flat replacement back for the bass, using a slightly curved taper method rather than using the original style crease. The response of this instrument is very bold and rich in color. It has successfully doubled as a professional level jazz bass and as an orchestral instrument for the consigning owner. The Irving Sloane tuning machines are min very nice condition. The neck has been reset to contemporary professional demands, resulting in a good overstand and a bridge height of 7″. The dimensions are Top length 41 1/4″, Upper bout width 20 3/8″, Middle bout width 14 3/8″, Lower bout width 25 1/2″, Length of back including button 43 1/2″, Rib depth at tail 7 3/4″, Rib depth at upper bout corner 7 1/4″, Rib depth at neck 6 1/4″, String length 41 3/8″. This modified instrument functions very well as a professional level performance doublebass. With cover.
