Inspire, Educate, Connect
This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some are essential to make our site work; others help us improve the user experience. By using the site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. Read our Privacy Statement to learn more.
Scam Alert!
To learn more about and / or to report a scam email, click here.
Seller, beware! From time to time you might receive suspicious inquiries about purchasing your bass. It's usually similar to the "Belgium music lessons" scam. The would-be purchaser sends you a check for more than the amount you are asking. He'll usually offer you something for your trouble, tell you to cash the check and then wire part or all of the overpayment back to him. The check is counterfeit, but by the time your bank notifies you of that fact, you've wired away your own money, which you may not be able to recover. The seller may also request that you take down your ad because you have sold the bass to him. If you receive a suspicious check in payment for an item for sale, have your bank guarantee its authenticity first, in writing if possible, and wait not only for the funds to be deposited to your account, but also for the check to actually clear your bank. When in doubt, cut off all communication with a suspicious buyer. Do not engage in conversation, email or otherwise. You can also notify your state's attorney general or the FBI of a possible email scam.
Also, beware of a scam artist offering to buy your instruments sight unseen. Typically, they will ask for your bank account information. Recent examples of this scam were in French.
Double bass-related, single-item ads for instruments and bows for sale are $30 U.S. for ISB members, and $100 U.S. for non-members. For more information or to submit an ad, click here:
Basses for Sale Submission Guidelines
To make minor changes to an existing ad (i.e., change Asking Price), please contact .
To protect the privacy of the sellers below, you must either login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase below.
Seller: Anne Gibson, Lady Lake, FL
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $30,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: around 1900
Papers: No
String Length: 42
Maker / Nationality: Paul Alexandre Mangenot
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Gamba Corners
Additional Description: Branded inside, Rounded back of maple or birch, original brass tuning gears, grafted neck of well-flamed maple.
CODE: 20240227
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Laurie Lang-Croasdale, Madison , WI
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $36,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 2015
Papers: Yes
String Length: 40.5
Maker / Nationality: Nick Lloyd
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Violin Corners, Flat Back
CODE: 20240125
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Martha Ilgenfritz, Missoula, MT
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $30,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 2002
Papers: Yes
String Length: 42”
Maker / Nationality: B.J. Kolstein
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Gamba Corners
Additional Description: Big, chocolate sound. Constructed in honor of Corbin Johnson fashioned after a Lorenzo Carcassi model bass Florence, Italy, c.1765. Scroll fitted with a Robertson and Sons custom chromatic low-C extension. Excellent for orchestral and solo work.
CODE: 20240102
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Derek Wiegmann, Baltimore, MD
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $11,500.00 Negotiable
Size: 7/8
Date Made: Circa 2000
Papers: No
String Length: 42 1/8
Maker / Nationality: Samuel Shen
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Gamba Corners
Additional Description: This bass is an unmarked prototype of Shen's 7/8 Gemmunder model. Mike Shank installed a new fingerboard and C-extension on the bass in 2020. Bass has a deep, powerful sound. Well suited for orchestral work. Great professional freelancing workhorse bass or for a serious student.
Spruce Top, Maple Back and Sides
Round back
Early Irving Sloane Tuners
7/8 Size
CODE: 20231126
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: David Segal, Brooklyn, NY
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $50,000.00 Or Best Offer
Date Made: 1914
Papers: No
String Length: 105cm
Maker / Nationality: UK
Performing Capacity: Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Large Shoulders
Additional Description: Hawkes & Son, London, Panormo Model
The Hawkes Panormo, was the top of the range double bass made by the Hawkes company between the late 1880s and mid 1930s. They were handmade by English craftsmen and have become highly sought after.
This instrument manufactured by Hawkes & Son, London in 1914 is in excellent condition with only one repair to the lower table and a couple of minor repairs similarly placed. The golden brown varnish over well figured wood is attractively worn by previous owners.
The letter “H” at the top of the back and the engraved wording “Hawkes & Son, London” on the brass scroll plates are distinctive features of these fine instruments.
This bass has been brought into full playing order by luthier Martyn Bailey.
C extension was made by luthier Mike Shank.
Length of Back 113cm. String Length 105cm
CODE: 20231117
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Dianna Lysgaard, Lyle, WA
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $11,800.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 1933
Papers: No
String Length: 42
Maker / Nationality: Herold jaeger
Performing Capacity: Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Gamba Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: This bass is from the Herold Jaeger shop. It is dated 1933.
This is a fully carved double bass. The back, sides and neck are European maple with a spruce top.
The neck and scroll are original, there are no repairs to either. The bass was restored in 2010, including repairs to saddle crack and bass bar crack, new bass bar, new bridge, dressed fingerboard. The back is in very good condition, no cracks with highly flamed maple. There is one crack in one of the lower bout ribs which has been repaired. All other ribs are in very good condition.
The bass has a strong, mature sound. It is a good orchestral bass and punchy jazz bass.
Back length: 44-¼
String length: 42
Upper bout: 20 ½
Lower bout: 25 ¾
C bout: 14 ¾
Bridge height: 6 ¼
Rib depth:
at heel: 6 ¾
at saddle: 8 3/8
CODE: 20231007
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Jena Huebner, Columbus, Ohio
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $25,000.00 Firm
Size: 7/8
Date Made: circa 1900
Papers: No
String Length: 41 3/4
Maker / Nationality: Boosey & Hawkes, Panormo model, supposedly made in France
Performing Capacity: Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Violin Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: The bass has a large dynamic range, bright clear sound and quick response. It has a beautiful C extension made by Mario Lamarre.
CODE: 20231005
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Davis Moore, Northfield, MN
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $1,250.00 Negotiable
Size: 75cm
Papers: Yes
String Length: German Bow
Maker / Nationality: Horst John - Brazil - 148 grams
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
Additional Description: German bow by Horst John, silver mounted with snakewood frog. About 148 grams, the length (end to end) is 75cm; the hair (playing length) is 56 cm. It comes with a hard case, as well. The bow has a shorter frog than average, so could be good for small hands. Feel free to contact me for more information/questions.
CODE: 20230823
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Sharif Ibrahim, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $7,000.00 Or Best Offer
Size: 64.2c
Papers: No
String Length: French Bow
Maker / Nationality: Charles Bazin - 134 grams
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
Additional Description: Wonderfully aged bow with the perfect blend of colors. This bow has a deep frog with a supple, yet firm stick. It bounces just as well as it stays in the string, and is a very lively bow. I would also trade for a Solo Bass of similar value.
CODE: 20230722
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Krista Kopper, Kansas City, KS
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $5,200.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 2008
Papers: No
Maker / Nationality: KC Strings
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Violin Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: KC Series bass from KC Strings bought in 2009. I am the original owner. Overall in very good condition with a few cracks that have been sealed. Fully carved instrument with spruce top and maple back and sides. This is a versatile instrument that would work well for a high school or college student or amateur player. Comes with adjustable bridge, bow quiver, and case.
CODE: 20230715
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Nancy Heffernan, Dallas, TX
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $12,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 4/4
Date Made: 2004
Papers: No
String Length: 42
Maker / Nationality: Paesold (high end German Workshop) model 596V
Performing Capacity: Orchestral
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Violin Corners
Additional Description: Overall length 74 1/2"; Body length 45"; Lower bouts 27"; Upper bouts 21"; sidewall 9"; Bridge to back 19". 3/4 size string length; 4/4 size body - fits perfectly in a 7/8 case. Recently cleaned, detailed and appraised by master bass luthier David Graham.
CODE: 20230713
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: David Berg, Lakeville, MN
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $50,000.00 Or Best Offer
Size: full
Date Made: circa 1825
Papers: No
String Length: 42.25
Maker / Nationality: Abraham Prescott
Performing Capacity: Orchestral
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Flat Back
Additional Description: Henry Portnoi, BSO Principal sold the bass in need of repair to Ed Maestro in 1974. Ed did repairs and sold it to James Clute in 1979. I purchased it from Clute in 1984.
It is in excellent health.
Take it and play it anywhere.
It has been in concert with Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
42.25 string length.
Rich sweet tone with that big Prescott bottom. Original tailpiece and the 3 original tuners as well as a 4th tuner copied and added when the instrument was changed to 4 strings. I've played about 8 or 9 different Prescotts and this is one of the best.
CODE: 20230628
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Michael Castagner
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $15,000.00
Size: 7/8
Date Made: ca 1875
Papers: Yes
Maker / Nationality: German (Tyrol)
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Gamba Corners, Flat Back
Additional Description: Beautiful double bass, 7/8 size made in Tyrol (Germany) circa 1875. It has a great woody sound that is ideal for jazz playing. Due to the angle of the fingerboard and the scroll, it cannot accept an extension. Top is medium grained spruce. The flat back is made from flamed maple wood of light curl. The varnish is of golden brown color. Well restored, authentic and excellent condition.
CODE: 30000101
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Robert Slack, Costa Mesa, CA
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $11,500.00
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 1910
Papers: No
String Length: 43
Maker / Nationality: German made 'Morelli
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Violin Corners
Additional Description: Nice Carved early 20th Century German Made Bass. Huge, Full Sound. No Major Condition issues. Presently set up for a Jazz Player. Nice Maple Back. Seller is on West Coast. Seller is open to reasonable offers.
CODE: 30000101
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
Seller: Stephen Tramontozzi, San Francisco
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $68,000.00
Date Made: 1920
Papers: No
String Length: 41.5 inches, 108 cm
Maker / Nationality: Italian
Performing Capacity: Orchestral
String Setup: 4-String
Additional Description: Labeled Giovanni Leoni, Parma, 1920. Beautiful bass in excellent condition. Original neck. Ribs and back of highly figured Lombardian poplar. Huge sound. Quick and flexible response. First class instrument
CODE: 30000101
Seller: Robert Evans, Durango Colorado
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $4,000.00
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 1963
Papers: Yes
String Length: 41 Inches
Maker / Nationality: Kay, American
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Additional Description: This Kay has received the benefit of extensive luthier work, which is reflected in its price. Work done by the Gage shop in NYC and Canyon Music Woodworks in southwest Colorado. The neck has been off (though never broken!) and reset twice, eliminating all of the dreck that is usually in Kay neck joints. The fingerboard is excellent ebony, properly dressed, and the bridge is a best quality Aubert. Pecanic tailpiece. I have never seen another Kay of this age in this condition. Used at home only for the past 15 years; possibly gigged in New Orleans a long time ago. Obligatos are on it now.
CODE: 30000101
(Click photo for high-resolution version.)
