King Mortone Double Bass Blonde c1960

Summary:

Finish: Blonde, gloss

Body Material: Plywood, Straight grain Spruce top, Curly Maple back and sides

Neck Profile: D

Fingerboard Radius: The fingerboard has got a pretty significant radius to it, measuring somewhere under 7", and has a ridge between the 1st and 2nd strings on the bass side, where it drops off in either direction. 

Scale Length: 43 1/2", a couple inches longer than a standard 3/4 size double basses. 

Nut Width: about 1 9/16"

Nut Material: Rosewood

Bridge: Maple, height adjustable, non-original

Hardware: Original tuning machines, engraved brass, beautiful! 

Repairs/Modifications: Nothing apparent

Neck Details: Neck is sighting straight, feels comfortable, finish has worn off the back, giving it a nice natural feel. 

Action: About .200" on the bass side, about .150" on the treble side, Measured at the octave point of the neck, right around where the 12th fret would be if this instrument were fretted. 

General Cosmetic Condition: This instrument is in pretty great shape! The finish has maintained very nicely throughout the years, and there is no structural damage or serious wear to point out. The only thing notable is that this instrument is literally a little rough around the edges. Seems like this bass may have seen some gigs in its day. This wear is pretty minor considering how well this instrument has held up otherwise, and we have attempted to make anything significant visible in the photos.

Case: Original Gig Bag Included

 You are looking at a very fine King Mortone double bass, made by the H.N. White Instrument company of Cleveland Ohio. The "King Mortone" bass was only ever offered as one model that stayed mostly consistent throughout the years, which was available in two finishes, sunburst and blonde, the blonde as this one being the rarer of the two. These basses were manufactured between the years of 1934 and 1965, with a period of halted production during WWII. Between 1946 and 1965, about 5000 of these basses were produced. This one carries the serial # 4252, which might possibly designate it as the 4,252nd in sequence, and therefore place it as likely being built in the latter years of production, closer to 1965.

 These bases are widely considered to be some of the best upright basses of the era, and are coveted by bass players of many styles due to their loud projection and great sustain. This one is a real gem and we have priced it rather generously, in the hopes that it will end up with someone who will enjoy it to the fullest and share that sweet tone with the world. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.