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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 .
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Seller: Keith Wymer, Kansas City, MO
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $6,500.00 Or Best Offer
Date Made: 2022
Papers: Yes
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber
Additional Description: Wonderful German bow made in 2022 by Tom Goering. Octagonal bloodwood stick, silver mounted rosewood frog. Includes two beautiful three-piece buttons made of silver and matching rosewood. Weighs in at either 145g or 155g depending on which button you use, nice to have both options. Playable hair length right around 21.5”. Pulls a loud and complex sound, exceptionally well balanced with a fantastic response. Original owner, used professionally, excellent condition. Can possibly throw in a case as well.
$6,500
Happy to ship on trial to anyone seriously interested, thanks!
CODE: 20250412
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Seller: Alex Jenkins, Highlands, NJ
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $5,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: Late 90's
Papers: No
String Length: 40.5
Maker / Nationality: Jovanovic & Son, designed by Christian Laborie
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Gamba Corners
Additional Description: A small 3/4 sloped shoulder gamba bass designed by Christian Laborie. This bass was purchased in 2000 and used by a student of George Vance and later in Juilliard Pre-College and undergraduate programs. An exceptional bass for a younger aspiring bass player or a solo bass for an accomplished player. Recently set up by Mike Shank of Shank’s Strings, this bass has a focused and clear tone with plenty of projection and is a joy to play in the solo register. D neck Upper bout 19” Lower 25.5” C bout 9” Width at nut 1.8” Rib depth 7.5” Body length 43.8”
CODE: 20250401
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Seller: Janet Cannon, Ann Arbor, MI
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $13,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 5/8
Date Made: Late 18th century
Papers: Yes
String Length: 40.5
Maker / Nationality: Tyrolean
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Gamba Corners, Flat Back
Additional Description: Modern head and neck, restored Sam Kolstein 1980s, recently repaired. Warm sound.
CODE: 20240608
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Seller: Glenn Bering, Ann Arbor, MI
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $4,800.00 Or Best Offer
Size: 8 str
Date Made: 1995
Papers: No
String Length: long scale
Maker / Nationality: West German
Performing Capacity: Solo, Jazz
String Setup: 8 String
Additional Description: This custom shop Warwick 8-string bass is in original like new condition. The active electronics work perfectly. The neck through body has no scratches, dents or belt buckle rash. The hardware shines with no oxidation. The lower octave has GHS Pressure Wound strings. The case has working locks with keys, solid hinges, handle, and no scuffs. Warwick quit making these cases years ago.
Warwick's current price to build this bass is $10,860 (not including case or shipping).
The serial number is A000424 95.
No international shipping.
CODE: 20241205
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Seller: Paul Madigan, Ellocott City, MD
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $7,000.00 Firm
Size: 7/8
Date Made: 2008
Papers: No
String Length: 41 3/4 in
Maker / Nationality: Kolstein
Performing Capacity: Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Violin Corners
Additional Description: I'm the original owner of this bass, which I purchased from Shank's Strings back in 2009.
It has been an incredible instrument, very solid. I don't think I can overstate how solid this bass is: seems to never go out of tune. Speaks well and is very easy to play. Excellent projection/fairly loud.
When I bought this bass, I had Mike Shank make a (then) new bridge and nut that facilitated a slightly closer string spacing (as I have small is hands). We also cut the adjusters off of the tailpiece to reduce weight and increase projection. The bass is currently setup with that bridge and nut and comes with Fishman Full Circle pickup and soft case as shown. Original Kolstein adjustable bridge and nut are included in sale. Stand is not included.
This is a great bass for a student or entry level professional. Sentimental values aside, I really have been on the fence about listing. Thought about keeping as spare (really doesn't deserve to be called a "beater") for gigs...but it's not getting played and I really don't have the need, utility and room to keep.
One would be hard pressed to find a comparable bass in this shape, with these sound qualities for the price listed. <-That reason alone has been why I have apprehension to sell.
Pictures aren't the best as they were taken with cell phone on an overcast day.
Adapted description from Kolstein's site below. Measurements are approximations (i.e. I assume they are accurate but haven't compared).
Kolstein Fendt Model Bass Violin 7/8 Size, Violin-cornered, 2008
Top table is a two-piece plate of medium vertical grained spruce
Back table is a two-piece plate of slab-cut willow
Ribs of matching willow to that of the back table
Individual Rococo brass tuners
Varnish is deep reddish brown with amber hues; antiqued
This instrument is one of the most successful designs from the Kolstein shop. It has received world-wide acclaim for tonal quality, projection and evenness. This contemporary bass has the characteristics of a much higher priced instrument.
Overall body length: 45 1/4in.
Width at the upper bout: 20 1/4 in.
Width at the center bout: 15 1/8 in.
Width at the lower bout: 26 7/8 in.
Mensure (string length): 41 3/4 in
Located in Maryland.
Local pick up only (i.e. will not ship).
Cash or Paypal accepted.
CODE: 20241014
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Seller: Justin Varnes, Tallahassee, FL
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $5,000.00 Or Best Offer
Date Made: 2013
Papers: Yes
Maker / Nationality: USA
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
Additional Description: I commissioned the amazing bow maker out of Denver, CO, Evan Orman, to build me a custom German bass bow. It is in pristine condition. I am only selling it because I don’t play it enough and this bow deserves to be played. This bow is worth $5,000. I have attached the letter of authentication from the bow builder. Comes with a double bow case and resin. It is in need of a rehair, but is otherwise pristine.
Inspired by H. R. Pfretschner
Round stick: Red-Brown Pernambuco
Fittings: Ebony and Silver
Head is in the style of a swan
Length: 69.5 cm
Weight: 136 grams
More pics available upon request
CODE: 20250213
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Seller: Mario Lamarre, Montreal, QC, Canada
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $42,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 7/8
Date Made: 2001
Papers: Yes
String Length: 45''
Maker / Nationality: Mario Lamarre
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral
String Setup: 5-String
Shape: Violin Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: Double bass model Lamario 2001 made by Mario Lamarre, Montreal, P.Q. Canada. This 5-string 7/8 violin style double bass has a low B extension built into the neck and features five (5) carved ebony capodastros as well as another C extension on the D string with one (1) capodastro . The two-piece table top is of fine, regular grain spruce. The two-piece arched back is of curly maple. Ribs come from the same wood as the back.
The peg box back is openwork and relief carved.
Dimensions:
Body length: 45”
Wide upper: 20 1/4”
Wide lower: 27 5/8”
Wide ribs:
Lower: 7 1/2”
Upper: 6 5/16”
Length string: 41”
The varnish is oil-based, a beautiful red brown.
PRICE: $55,000.CAD
CODE: 20250213
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Seller: Tyler Abbott, Eugene, OR
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $45,000.00
Size: 7/8
Date Made: 1850
Papers: Yes
String Length: 41 7/8
Maker / Nationality: Paul Claudot
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Violin Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: Appraised at $55k. All original, excellent condition, excellent setup. Claudot stamp on inside, signed under top table.
Most recent setup done by Robertson and Sons, including new bridge, fingerboard, and chromatic extension.
Neck projection work done by Arnold Schnitzer to bring into modern playing standards.
Played in major symphony orchestras, recent provenance known.
Dimensions:
Body length: 43 11/16”
Upper bout: 21 3/4"
Middle bout: 14 9/16”
Lower bout: 26 15/16”
String Length: 41 7/8”
More info:
Superb sound—very big and deep character.
Bridge can be moved north for 41 ½” String Length while still sounding great and very playable.
Knowledgeable sources have said the signature on the inside is an indication that the instrument was made by the maker himself, rather than a “shop” bass.
CODE: 20250103
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Seller: Damian Rutti, Copley, OH
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $15,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 2007
Papers: No
String Length: 41 1/8
Maker / Nationality: W Desola Germany/Connecticut
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Gamba Corners
Additional Description: A great bass for all kinds of music. Having the superb balance, durability, and tone of many desirable New Standard Basses. Its player-friendly shape will fit any bassist. Exceptionally easy to use with an even tone and strong projection.
Bridge and Extension put on by Nick Lloyd. A fit for fans of Edgar Meyer and Paul Kowart. Bass is in mint condition.
Feel free to reach out for info and trialing.
CODE: 20240812
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Seller: Scott McCullough, Noblesville, Indiana
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $34,500.00 Or Best Offer
Size: 7/8
Date Made: 2016
Papers: No
String Length: 41
Maker / Nationality: Nick LLoyd
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 5-String
Shape: Gamba Corners, Flat Back
Additional Description: One owner
~41" string length
~two-piece engelman spruce top of medium grain
~two-piece quarter-cut well-flamed walnut flatback
~ribs of similar walnut
~flamed maple 5-string scroll/neck and ebony fingerboard ~travel neck
~deep red-brown oil varnish
~gamba outline
~baroque f-holes
~5 english key Sloane tuners, lightly antiqued
~tailpiece of wenge wood
~carbon fiber endpin
~walnut bumpers
CODE: 20240806
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Seller: Kirk Adie, Marietta, OH
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $7,500.00
Size: 7/8
Date Made: 1953
Papers: No
Maker / Nationality: John Jusek
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Gamba Corners, Flat Back
Additional Description: privately owned past 48 years
Have full size soft canvas bag
CODE: 20240825
Seller: Alex Jenkins, Highlands, NJ
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $2,000.00
Size: 122g
Date Made: early 2000s
Papers: No
Maker / Nationality: Z. Prochownik
Performing Capacity: Solo, Chamber, Jazz
Additional Description: An excellent bow for solo work as well as chamber music. I have used it off and on for 20 years or so and absolutely love how easy it is to play but unfortunately have to sell it to finance another. Would also make for an excellent step up bow for a dedicated student.
CODE: 20240615
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Seller: Guillermo Delgado, Buenos Aires, Cap Federal, Argentina
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $20.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 1920
Papers: No
String Length: 41 1/2
Maker / Nationality: Unknown author (italian)
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Gamba Corners, Flat Back
Additional Description: Beautiful sounding instrument, with lot of overtones and plenty of capacities for classical and jazz music. Italian sound for a very affordable price. It will be available for trial at Ann Arbor Bass Convention in a few days.
CODE: 20240530
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Seller: Chi Yang, Elgin, IL
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $1,500.00 Negotiable
Papers: No
Additional Description: Travel Full Size Bass Trunk. It can hold up to 4/4 bass. We have several cases in stock. It’s a brand-new case. Please read the spec sheet for dimensions. Order now, we can arrange to ship the case to your hotel or local freight terminal for the bass you purchase at ISB convention. Please email us to get the shipping cost – from Chicago to Michigan. It’s only one day transit time.
CODE: 20240522
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Seller: Chi Yang, Elgin, IL
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $59.00
Papers: No
Maker / Nationality: Jonas Lohse
Additional Description: Now available in English Version:
The Double Bass Book
400 years of low notes – The double bass: Its history, important makers, and bassists in classical music and jazz. Written by Jonas Lohse.
About this book
Hardcover, 240 pages, four-color printing throughout. The many photos and illustrations allow for a deep look into the world of the double bass and transform this book into a captivating and entertaining lecture for every bassist and music lover.
English Version translated by Martin Wind.
Ordering
The Double Bass Book is now available at Concord Int’l Group, Inc. (Manufacturer of Christopher Bass), the sole USA distributor. Please email info@concordgroup.com or call (847) 836-8688 to place an order.
The pre-order book price is $59.00 plus shipping ($10 priority)
Accept all major credit card payments.
CODE: 20241005
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Seller: Sonia Ray, Goiania, GOIAS, Brazil
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $15,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 1960s
Papers: No
String Length: 102
Maker / Nationality: Salt Lake City Luthiers
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Removable Low D adapter
Shape: Gamba Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: This instrument is very special. It has a deep tone quality, good response for both pizz and bow. It was built is Germany and adjusted and repaired by well known Salt Lake City brothers who kept a famous shop during late 1960s/1980s. I've bought it in 1996 during my years in Iowa as doctoral student and it have been served me very well in both orchestra and chamber music during all these years.
The instrument will be available at ISB Convention in Ann Arbor. Sonia Ray will be using it for Qualea Trio's performance on June 6th at 10AM (Arthur Miller Theater).
CODE: 20240503
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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
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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
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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
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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
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