Double Bass Same Old Framus Indentify Question

[MrNatural55]

Bought this in Phoenix for $500. It has the typical Framus Antonious Stradavarious Anon 1721 label inside but no other identifying marks. It appears by measurement to be a 3/4.

Don't have a small enough mirror to look inside to see if there are markings on the top. Also assuming it's laminated not carved. Can't seem to find anything on the internet about how to identify the model. I've been to the Framus Vintage website, but they really only list model number with no pictures. Not a big help. Any advice?

 

[eh_train]

Congrats, it looks like a lot of bass for $500.

You may already know that Stradivarius never built basses, so the label doesn't have much useful info except for the Framus name. Meaning it's a German bass. The flat looking edges and the couple of nicks in the treble side of the top are consistent with a ply top. Also not sure what the fingerboard is, but it doesn't look like ebony. It could be another hardwood that's durable enough.

Framus made decent quality instruments (mostly guitars). I've had a couple of their basses, and they were well built. Yours has a few years on it so you know it's sturdy enough. If it's set up to play as is, I'd say you got a deal....

 

[MrNatural55]

Congrats, it looks like a lot of bass for $500.

You may already know that Stradivarius never built basses, so the label doesn't have much useful info except for the Framus name. Meaning it's a German bass. The flat looking edges and the couple of nicks in the treble side of the top are consistent with a ply top. Also not sure what the fingerboard is, but it doesn't look like ebony. It could be another hardwood that's durable enough.

Framus made decent quality instruments (mostly guitars). I've had a couple of their basses, and they were well built. Yours has a few years on it so you know it's sturdy enough. If it's set up to play as is, I'd say you got a deal....

Thanks Paul. I appreciate the comments. Seems to play well but taking it in to a luthier to check everything out.

 

[MrNatural55]

Thank Paul. I appreciate the comments. It seems to play well, but taking it in to a luthier to check everything out. I figured it was from about the 50s and made in one of the unnamed German factories (Hofner, Framus?) who knows. I have seen a lot of the Antonious labels with the Framus 1721 stamp and was aware that Stradavarious never made a bass. All in all, a good first upright I guess.

 

[DragonflySHO]

I’m replying because a few years ago I too bought my first upright for $500!!

...and it is a 50’s Framus that toured the midwest.

...and I’m in Phoenix!!

My looks like an old Hofner; post a picture of your neck joint!

Any, hope its doing you well. These things make a lot of sound played pizz and I’m trying out some steel strings on it. I hope the laminate top holds strong and the tone doesn’t go away...