Featured Basses
Giuseppe Zamberti, ca. 1930s
$32,000.00A 20th century Italian bass ca. 1930s, attributed to Giuseppe Zamberti (1893-1974 Vicenza, Italy). Spruce top, poplar ribs, beech back, and poplar scroll. constructed using an elegant design that incorporated beautifully sloping shoulders, this bass is amazingly fun to play yet, still has a huge, clear tonal center and rich deep sound. Consignment. A pupil…
Bohemian ca. 1880s
$12,000.00Bohemian 3/4 ca. 1880s, spruce top, maple back and ribs, beech scroll. Complete BVS restoration in 2020, including new bassbar, new neck block, top crack repair, responsive back bracing, new fingerboard, new adjustable bridge, and total set-up. This one sounds fantastic with a big, warm sound, and super easy response. If you're in the market…
Shen SB200 Gemunder, 2012
$5,400.00Shen SB200 Gemunder 7/8 size, made in 2012. Fully carved with spruce top, willow flatback/ribs, and maple neck/scroll. These basses are an excellent value that pack big sound for an affordable price. This one was originally set-up and sold through our shop, and it's ready to roll! Consignment. String length: 42" FINANCING AVAILABLE! Noteworthy Credit…
Nick Lloyd 7/8, 2020
$40,000.00Another fantastic instrument by American bass maker, Nick Lloyd, Cincinnati, OH 2020. The outline of Nick's basses are his own elegant design, a result of much thought and careful calculation, which combines playability and powerful response. This one features a spruce top, book matched walnut flatback, figured walnut ribs, and maple neck/scroll. Includes chromatic c-extension,…
Nick Lloyd 3/4, 2019
$40,000.00A gorgeous instrument by American bass maker, Nick Lloyd, Cincinnati, OH 2019. This is Nick's smaller 3/4 model which is insanely comfortable, with excellent proportions and a short string length. It features a spruce top, curly maple flatback and ribs, maple neck/scroll -- all with tasteful antiquing. Includes chromatic c-extension, Rubner tuning machines, and custom…
Lemur Music “Venice”, 2018
$5,900.00Designed by the fine folks at Lemur Music, the Venice is a 5/8 fully carved bass with spruce top and maple back/ribs/scroll, and upgraded antiqued Rubner tuning machines. The manageable proportions make this the ultimate gigging bass or an instrument for folks of smaller stature. Best of all, it weighs in at under 20lb! Includes…
German Mittenwald, ca. 1850s
$18,000.00$16,500.00German 3/4 ca. 1850s. High quality construction, not your average shop bass! Straight grain spruce top, with highly flamed flatback and ribs. Played professionally in the Richmond Symphony for several decades. Brand new BVS adjustable bridge, fingerboard dressing, and misc repair work. This would be an orchestral workhorse OR a killer jazz bass if you're…
Stevenson Flight Trunk
$2,000.00Used Stevenson flight trunk for 3/4 or 7/8 double bass, ca. 1998. Made from heavy duty fiberglass, this trunk features a unique elastic strapping system (just replaced) to secure the lid during transport, several convenient handles, and industrial wheels for easy maneuverability. Made in England. Consignment. http://stevensoncases.co.uk/bass.htm
Calin Wultur, Standard #5 (Round Back)
$6,800.00Calin Wultur Gamba, standard #5 model. Fully carved 3/4 with spruce top, poplar back/ribs, maple neck/scroll, hand applied oil varnish, with tastefully light antiquing. Includes complete BVS set-up with adjustable bridge, New Harmony Music carbon fiber endpin, and Rubner tuning machines. String length: 41"
Kolstein “Liandro di Vacenza”
$10,000.00$8,800.00Botti Master Art model B800, made in 2007 for the Kolstein Shop. Fully carved 3/4 with spruce top and maple back, ribs, and scroll. In like-new condition with a big, open sound! Includes Kolstein cover, quiver, pickup, and stroller. Consignment. String length: 41.25"
Robert Chambers, 1985
$32,000.00$30,000.00A stunning copy of Gary Karr's "Amati" bass, made by Robert Chambers in Pennsylvania, 1985. Beautiful spruce top with highly-flamed big leaf maple ribs/back. This would make an exceptional solo bass or chamber instrument for any professional bassist. Includes Mooradian cover and NHM carbon fiber angled endpin. Consignment. String length: 41" FINANCING AVAILABLE! Noteworthy Credit…
Calin Wultur “Hybrid Spirit”
$3,995.00Hybrid 3/4 double bass, with carved spruce top, carved maple ribs, and laminate maple back. Beautiful oil varnish, upgrade Rubner tuning machines, and complete BVS setup. These hybrid basses sound incredible, with a full, seasoned sound right out of the box, and offer manageable proportions with smaller shoulders. String length: 41.25"
Collin-Mezin, ca. 1930s
$18,000.00$16,500.00Collin-Mezin bass, made in France ca. 1930s. Fully carved with four-piece spruce top and plain maple back, ribs, & scroll. Scroll features an open back pegbox with beautiful 20th century French Bakelite tuning machines. This bass could easily be played as a jazz, orchestral, solo, or chamber instrument. In excellent condition inside and out, with…
Acoustic Image DoubleShot Combo
$1,399.00$1,299.00Acoustic Image DoubleShot Combo - 600W Clarus SL head (one channel, no effects) with 4-ohm cabinet featuring two 10-inch broad frequency range custom side-firing drivers, and one 5-inch forward firing midrange driver with level switch. Small enough to fit in airline overhead storage bin or under seat at 12 inches diameter, 11 inches wide, 15…
Acoustic Image Contra Series
$1,099.00Acoustic Image Contra Series - 300w combo featuring two-way sealed speaker system with a 10" downfiring woofer and a 5" extended range driver. One channel preamp with no effects, four band EQ preamp section, HiZ and LoZ 1/4 inch inputs, and input and master level controls. Lightweight (22 lbs) molded polymer enclosure makes it the…
Acoustic Image UpShot SL Combo
$1,099.00$999.00Acoustic Image UpShot Combo - 600W Clarus SL head (one channel, no effects) with 8-ohm cabinet featuring a 10-inch up firing woofer in an 11-inch diameter, 6-inch height cabinet. UpShot delivers a ton of omnidirectional sound from an upfiring ten-inch speaker in a highly portable enclosure. Includes backpack for easy transportation to gigs!
Roger Lotte
$5,500.00$4,900.00French octagonal pernambuco bow, made by Roger Lotte, Mirecourt ca. 1960. Fully mounted in nickel silver with Parisian eye, and ebony frog. A beautiful example of this maker’s output that plays exceptionally well! Consignment. 132g FINANCING AVAILABLE! Noteworthy Credit Union is an arts-based lending organization in Cleveland, OH that specializes in musical instrument loans and…
Pierre-Yves Fuchs
$6,500.00$5,750.00French pernambuco bow, #624, made by Swiss bow maker Pierre-Yves-Fuchs. Fully mounted in silver with Parisian eye, beautifully figured stick, and excellent balance/response. Consignment. 146g FINANCING AVAILABLE! Noteworthy Credit Union is an arts-based lending organization in Cleveland, OH that specializes in musical instrument loans and products specially designed to meet the unique professional and personal…
Thomas and George Martin Concert Model 4/4
$15,000.00$13,500.00Martin 4/4 Concert model, made in 2019. Fully-carved spruce top, with flamed maple ribs and flamed maple round back. BVS set-up, with brass Baker style tuning machines, and Ulsa Massiv 10mm endpin. A beautiful instrument finished at the Martin shop in England for an affordable price! String length: 41.75" FINANCING AVAILABLE! Noteworthy Credit Union is…
John Juzek 7/8, ca. 1950s
$10,000.00$7,400.00John Juzek 7/8 size, ca. 1950s. Fully carved, with spruce top and maple ribs/roundback. Includes Cushy cover. Consignment. String length: 43.25" FINANCING AVAILABLE! Noteworthy Credit Union is an arts-based lending organization in Cleveland, OH that specializes in musical instrument loans and products specially designed to meet the unique professional and personal needs of artists and…
Vilho Arvi, 1971
$20,000.00$18,000.00A rare opportunity to own a bass by Vilho Arvi (father of contemporary bass maker, Kai Arvi)! This bass is number 197, made in USA, 1971. The form is 7/8 size with straight grain spruce top, tightly flamed maple roundback, sides, and scroll. Recent BVS top-off restoration, including replacement of all previous top repairs, edge…
Lakeburg & Baer, 2000
$30,000.00$21,000.00A gorgeous bass by Bill Lakeburg and Peter Baer! Made in Cincinnati, 2000, this is a 7/8 size flatback, with spruce top, maple back, ribs, and scroll. Includes Sloane tuning machines, a custom CBC C-extension, CBC wheel, and custom Messina cover. A powerhouse of a bass and a great package deal for the auditioning bassist! …
Samuel Shen SB200 Mirecourt
$5,400.00Carved 3/4 double bass, with carved spruce top, carved European flamed maple ribs and back, hand-applied oil finish, ebony fingerboard, and ebony tailpiece. INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES – BVS set-up – Despiau bridge with Otto adjusters – Onyx endpin – Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at discounted prices) – BVS 2-year parts & labor…
Lemur Music FlyAway “Liberty Belle”
$7,500.00$6,500.00Lemur Music Liberty Belle, 3/4 hybrid, FlyAway package. Lemur Music's FlyAway removable neck system allows for this bass to be disassembled, stored in the airline-checkable flight case (included), and transported easily throughout your air travels. The adjustable neck also allows for precise adjustments in string height via the pivoting neck system - so no need…
Wilhelm Klier, 2001
$8,500.00Fully-carved 3/4, made in Germany ca. 2001. Spruce top, maple back, and highly-flamed maple ribs. Fitted with individual brass Rubner tuning machines and adjustable bridge. Excellent condition, with big, warm sound for orchestra or jazz. Consignment. String length: 41.75"
Shen SB150 Hybrid 5/8 (flatback)
$2,950.00Hybrid 5/8 double bass, with carved spruce top, laminate maple flatback & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES – BVS set-up – Despiau bridge with Otto adjusters – Ulsa German endpin – Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at discounted prices) – BVS 2-year parts & labor warranty…
G.A. Pfretzschner
$9,000.00G.A. Pfretszchner 7/8 size, ca. 1930s. Fully-carved, spruce top, maple round back and ribs. Recently overhauled at BVS with a new false nut, fingerboard dressing, edge work, and new BVS adjustable bridge. This bass is currently set up for jazz and will hold its own in any big brass section -- What a cannon! Includes…
Sam Shen SB150 Hybrid
$2,950.00Hybrid 3/4 double bass, with carved spruce top, laminate maple back & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Available in violin or gamba outline (depending on availability). INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES – BVS set-up – Despiau bridge with Otto adjusters – Ulsa German endpin – Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at…
Samuel Shen SB80
$1,795.00Laminated 3/4 double bass, with laminate maple top, back & ribs, durable lacquer finish, 10mm steel endpin, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Includes soft cover. Available in violin or gamba outline (depending on availability). INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES - BVS set-up - Otto bridge adjusters - Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at discounted prices)…
Samuel Shen SB88
$1,895.00** Our best-selling Shen bass! ** Laminated 3/4 double bass, with laminate maple top, back & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, 10mm steel endpin, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Includes soft cover. Available in violin or gamba outline (depending on availability). INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES - BVS set-up - Otto bridge adjusters - Choice of Helicore strings…
All Basses
Acoustic Image UpShot SL Combo
$1,099.00$999.00Acoustic Image UpShot Combo - 600W Clarus SL head (one channel, no effects) with 8-ohm cabinet featuring a 10-inch up firing woofer in an 11-inch diameter, 6-inch height cabinet. UpShot delivers a ton of omnidirectional sound from an upfiring ten-inch speaker in a highly portable enclosure. Includes backpack for easy transportation to gigs!
Acoustic Image Contra Series
$1,099.00Acoustic Image Contra Series - 300w combo featuring two-way sealed speaker system with a 10" downfiring woofer and a 5" extended range driver. One channel preamp with no effects, four band EQ preamp section, HiZ and LoZ 1/4 inch inputs, and input and master level controls. Lightweight (22 lbs) molded polymer enclosure makes it the…
Acoustic Image DoubleShot Combo
$1,399.00$1,299.00Acoustic Image DoubleShot Combo - 600W Clarus SL head (one channel, no effects) with 4-ohm cabinet featuring two 10-inch broad frequency range custom side-firing drivers, and one 5-inch forward firing midrange driver with level switch. Small enough to fit in airline overhead storage bin or under seat at 12 inches diameter, 11 inches wide, 15…
Samuel Shen SB80
$1,795.00Laminated 3/4 double bass, with laminate maple top, back & ribs, durable lacquer finish, 10mm steel endpin, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Includes soft cover. Available in violin or gamba outline (depending on availability). INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES - BVS set-up - Otto bridge adjusters - Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at discounted prices)…
Samuel Shen SB88
$1,895.00** Our best-selling Shen bass! ** Laminated 3/4 double bass, with laminate maple top, back & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, 10mm steel endpin, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Includes soft cover. Available in violin or gamba outline (depending on availability). INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES - BVS set-up - Otto bridge adjusters - Choice of Helicore strings…
Samuel Shen SB88 (5/8)
$1,895.00-- SOLD - contact us for special orders! -- Laminated 5/8 double bass, with laminate maple top, back & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, 10mm steel endpin, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Includes soft cover. INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES - BVS set-up - Otto bridge adjusters - Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at discounted prices)…
Samuel Shen SB90
$1,995.00Laminated 3/4 double bass, with laminate spruce top, laminate maple back & ribs, durable lacquer finish, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES - BVS set-up - Despiau bridge with Otto adjusters - Ulsa German endpin - Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at discounted prices) - BVS 2-year parts & labor warranty…
Stevenson Flight Trunk
$2,000.00Used Stevenson flight trunk for 3/4 or 7/8 double bass, ca. 1998. Made from heavy duty fiberglass, this trunk features a unique elastic strapping system (just replaced) to secure the lid during transport, several convenient handles, and industrial wheels for easy maneuverability. Made in England. Consignment. http://stevensoncases.co.uk/bass.htm
Engelhardt S9 Blonde
$2,200.00-- SOLD! -- 2001 Engelhardt S9 3/4 size bass. Flamed maple laminate ribs and back, spruce laminate top, with blonde lacquer finish, ebony fingerboard and ebony tailpiece. In like-new condition, with a fresh BVS fingerboard dressing! Includes K&K Double Big Twin pickup and Supernil strings. Consignment. SL: 41.75"
Samuel Shen SB100
$2,350.00Laminated 3/4 double bass, with laminate spruce top, laminate maple back & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, inlaid purfling, Shen French style tuning machines, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Available in violin or gamba outline (depending on availability). INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES - BVS set-up - Despiau bridge with Otto adjusters - Ulsa German endpin - Choice…
Shen SB150 hybrid USED 2013
$2,500.00-- SOLD! -- Hybrid 3/4 bass, made in 2013, with fully carved spruce top, laminate maple back and ribs. Features oil varnish, upgrade 10mm steel endpin, and a rare gamba outline! Originally set-up, sold and maintained at BVS. These basses don't come along used very often and this one sounds great as a jazz bass…
Kay C-1, 1969
$3,000.00$2,800.00-- SOLD! -- Kay C-1, 1969 - last year of production! This bass was one of the final made during the Kay bass legacy, which stretched for over 30 years. This is a particularly clean example, with no neck or body damage, edges are intact. The bass also retains the original fingerboard, tailpiece, and Kluson…
Sam Shen SB150 Hybrid
$2,950.00Hybrid 3/4 double bass, with carved spruce top, laminate maple back & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. Available in violin or gamba outline (depending on availability). INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES – BVS set-up – Despiau bridge with Otto adjusters – Ulsa German endpin – Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at…
Shen SB150 Hybrid 5/8 (flatback)
$2,950.00Hybrid 5/8 double bass, with carved spruce top, laminate maple flatback & ribs, hand-applied oil finish, ebony fingerboard, and hardwood tailpiece. INCLUDED BVS UPGRADES – BVS set-up – Despiau bridge with Otto adjusters – Ulsa German endpin – Choice of Helicore strings (other strings available at discounted prices) – BVS 2-year parts & labor warranty…