Description

SOLD: Otto Rubner Double Bass, 1942, Markneukirchen, Germany

We figured this Rubner double bass was a postwar instrument until we saw the label! Sure looks like Otto wrote a 1942 in there. How could this bass have been made in Markneukirchen during the height of WWII? As a fascinating Strings Magazine article points out, “This little area of Saxony didn’t see much of the war or the Allied bombings, and a few of the older makers stayed and probably continued to make violins with their substantial supply of high-quality tonewood.” This would appear to be proof of that! Otto Rubner would have been 57 at the time, too old for Nazi conscription – the label is all in German (rare) so not intended for export.

Probably brought home by an American GI after the war, as Americans helped safeguard these builders in the general chaos afterwards. So, liberated from post-Nazi Germany, only to be converted into a 5-string badly…sigh. We are proud to have restored it to a great 4-string player again! A piece of history at a great price.

Eric’s notes:  You might remember this one from Instagram? It came in as a 5 string…BUT… this was a four-string bass someone decided to turn into a 5 string bass without modifying its interior.
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should, right?  The result?  A failing top being crushed under the added weight.  So, we took off the top, removed the bass bar, fixed the structural problems, and did a full edge double & new bar.  We brought it back to its four-string glory as these Rubners always end up being a workshop favorite!
She may have a few scars, but she is battle-ready and sounds soooooo good!

***Please note, double basses do not qualify for the website FREE SHIPPING promotion.  Please contact us for shipping, courier, or pickup options prior to placing your order.

Upton Bass String Instrument Co. specializes in building award-winning custom double basses and offers accessories for the double bass. Upton Bass also services all instruments and bows of the violin family with world-class restoration and repair, to view our online restoration portfolio visit stringrepair.com

Upton Bass is ready to offer advice and answer any questions regarding this Prescott double bass or related bass topics. Please contact UB at sales@uptonbass.com or call the shop at +1 (860) 535-9399. Hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. The Workshop (The Barn) and showroom are located in Mystic, Connecticut conveniently between Boston and NYC.

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