Meet my latest terrible decision.
A few days ago I found this old Czechoslovak double bass being sold for basically nothing.
And after seeing the photos, I understood why.
I don’t know much about his previous life, but judging by the condition he was in, I’m pretty sure he would have called social services himself if he had hands.
Just look at the bridge.
LOOK AT IT!
I genuinely don’t know what crime this poor instrument committed to deserve that.
The body is coming apart in several places, the top has problems, there are old repairs inside that raise even more questions, and generally he looks like somebody spent the last few decades testing how much abuse a double bass can survive.
So naturally, I bought him.
For almost nothing.
And now he lives with me.
All I know about him so far is that there’s a little plate inside saying “MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA.” I don’t know the maker, the year, or much else yet — so if anyone recognizes what exactly I’ve dragged into my house, please tell me.
The plan is to restore him.
There is only one tiny problem:
I have never restored a double bass in my life…
So this will either become a beautiful rescue story… or an extremely elaborate way of discovering why luthiers exist.
If you’re a luthier, a double bass nerd, or you’ve restored old instruments before — PLEASE write to me. Advice, identification, warnings, prayers — everything is welcome.
I’ll keep you updated.
