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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 .
To protect the privacy of the sellers below, you must either login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase below.
Seller: Scott McCullough, Noblesville, Indiana
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $32,900.00 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: 20251218
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Seller: Glenn Bering, Ann Arbor, MI
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $6,800.00 Firm
Size: 3/4
Papers: No
String Length: 40.75
Maker / Nationality: Chinese
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Violin Corners
Additional Description: Superb Chinese bass with properly graduated tight grain spruce top, solid flamed maple back and sides, ebony fingerboard, and newly upgraded tuners, end pin, rosewood tailpiece, and bridge with adjusters. Despite its pedigree, it plays as well as comparable European basses and needs nothing. Cushy case included. With a change of strings, this would be a great jazz bass. String length: 40.75 inches. Over stand is 1.5 inches. Ribs are 8 inches.
CODE: 20251127
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Seller: Deborah Schmidt, SAFETY HARBOR, FL
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $7,500.00 Or Best Offer
Size: 4/4
Date Made: ca. 1990
Papers: No
Maker / Nationality: Italy
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
Additional Description: Fully carved Pernambuco French bass bow stamped "G. Lucchi Cremona". Parisian eye silver lined frog with pearl inlay. Giovanni Lucchi was a Italian bowmaker who founded the first Italian bow making school in Cremona, Italy. Weight - 140.25 grams Available at Violin Shop Tampa 813-288-8215. Questions? 727-515-1640 Deborah Schmidt
CODE: 20251120
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Seller: Glenn Bering, Ann Arbor, MI
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $245.00 Firm
Papers: No
Additional Description: Virtual Accompanist CDs provide piano accompaniment to allow the bassist to practice in orchestra tuning. Some have click track options. All eleven are in like new condition with no scratches or fingerprints. The 1999 brochure is included.
The sheet music is also in like new condition with no pencil marks. Orchestra tuning unless noted. Included are: Bottesini Elegy (solo tune), Koussevitzky Cto (solo), Dragonetti Cto (solo), Capuzzi Cto, Eccles Sonata, The Swan, Faure Elegy, Vivaldi Cto (solo), Schubert Arpeggione (orch and solo), Brahms Em Cello Sonata (cello and bass), Hindemith Trauermusik (misc parts). Also, extra piano parts for Arpeggione, Koussevitzky, and Dragonetti.
CODE: 20251030
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Seller: Dennis James, New York, NY
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $68,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 7/8
Date Made: 1857
Papers: No
String Length: 41 inches
Maker / Nationality: Andreas Postacchini Fermo, Italy
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Violin Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: Has a rich beautiful tone with ample projection
CODE: 20251020
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Seller: Deborah Schmidt, SAFETY HARBOR, FL
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $20,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 1920's
Papers: No
String Length: 42
Maker / Nationality: Czech
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Violin Corners, Carved Back
Additional Description: Professional bass with fully carved maple back, sides, spruce top. Stenholm machine extension, new custom carved bridge with adjusters. New strings, Lemur padded soft case. Excellent condition, very comfortable to play & has a wonderfully robust warm tone. Available at Violin Shop Tampa, 813-288-8215. Questions? 727-515-1640 Deborah Schmidt
CODE: 20250906
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Seller: Addison Lucchi, Olathe, KS
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $40,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 2011
Papers: Yes
String Length: 3/4
Maker / Nationality: KC Strings, Anton Krutz
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: 4-String
Shape: Violin Corners
Additional Description: Anton Krutz bass from KC strings, made in 2011, like new: https://www.kcstrings.com/products/anton-krutz-bass-cornered?variant=40054991192225
CODE: 20250829
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Seller: Tyler Shepherd, Richardson, TX
Phone / Email Address: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $55,000.00 Negotiable
Size: 3/4
Date Made: 1911
Papers: No
String Length: 42
Maker / Nationality: Hawkes and Sons
Performing Capacity: Solo, Orchestral, Chamber, Jazz
String Setup: Low C Extension
Shape: Violin Corners, Large Shoulders, Carved Back
Additional Description: Performed with many professional orchestras across the US and Europe, many times as Principal.
Worked on by Dennis Roy (US) and Martin Penning (UK)
Excellent condition and very easy to play. Quick response and rich, projecting tone.
This is an entry level old English instrument.
CODE: 20250517
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Seller: Keith Wymer, Kansas City, MO
Phone / Email Address: 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 Address: 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: Justin Varnes, Tallahassee, FL
Phone / Email Address: 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 Address: 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 Address: 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: Michael Castagner
Phone / Email Address: 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 Address: 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 Address: 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 Address: 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
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