Basses Under $5,000

I recently found this tarnished gem, in a Longview, Washington pawnshop.

It was languishing in the corner, with 3 strings, a warped bridge-painted black, and, a tired old Underwood pick up dangling from one wing of the bridge.

This bass had self esteem issues.

But the scroll was masterfully cut, and I just had a feeling that this bass was something unique.

After rescuing back to Pete's Upright Bass Shop, this 1954 Hopf laminated bass promptly got a fresh fingerboard dressing, a New bridge, and, New Chinese endpin. Fresh strings, sound post adjustment, and a good cleaning.

The other cool feature to note, is that this bass is signed in pencil Hoyer, Weber 1954 on the inside of the top plate.

Perhaps, the carver of the scroll got to sign this rare bass?

Asking $3,400

Bag options available.

Completed 2020, by Pete Lampe.

Inspired by an English bass by William Tarr, ca.1853

• 7/8 body, with a 41.25 inch string length. Eb neck. Easy to play, and get around. Not heavy for it's size.
• Massive fundamental tone, with singing upper register arco. Very punchy and open feeling for jazz/pizz.
• Extra long ebony fingerboard for soloists.
• Very responsive in all registers. Loud, and projecting sound.
• Northwest Big Leaf maple, neck, back, and sides. (aged over 20 yrs.) Highly figured 250 y/o Sitka spruce, (aged over 40yrs).
• Expansive arching; Top and back are 28" across, and 2 pc book matched. Detailed workmanship throughout.
• Rubner hat peg tuning machines. Handsomely inlaid purfling, on top and back.
• Adjustable Despiu bridge. Heavy German endpin. Padded bag included.

Price $12,000

This beautiful Juzek recently came into the shop after  being owned by the same person for 40 years. It had not been played much when she got it, and the last owner didnt play it much either. So, that being said the condition is stellar. The sound is loud and forceful, without seeming harsh. It speaks quickly, and the low register is expanding with every passing day. Great response from pizz or arco.

After getting a fresh fingerboard dress, new adjustable bridge, and new German endpin, the playability is effortless, and the set up leaves nothing to be desired.

The only thing this monster needs is a new owner to play it, and wake it from it's 40 year dormancy.

$13,500 

Bag options available.

Twenty years a go, I purchased two huge slab maple boards (approx 2 inches thick), hoping to one day to make one piece back basses from them.
Here are pictures of the building process

Update: Well, the ISB convention went well. This bass received a silver medal for tone, and welcome reviews from players and makers, all around.
The sound really is something. Mature and rich, with a bow; while the round, punchy pizzicato penetrates in any ensemble.

Shen 3/4 Willow Flat Back 200.

*2025's Tariff Wars, resulted in price increases across the board, for Chinese made musical instruments and goods.

But, there's good news- Shen prices will remain at 2025 prices.

That savings will be passed to you, the customer!

Happy New Year!

(In Stock!)

Fully Carved, willow back and sides. Spruce top.
These basses always have a punchy attack, with a round focused  sound, that really penetrates in any musical setting.
One of the most popular Shen (and hard to get) models. 

Adjustable bridge, fully set up, and adjusted. Shen soft bag incl.

List $7945

Pete's Price $7600 with bag.

Shen Model 150 3/4 Hybrid Bass.
Set up and adjusted, with D'Addario Helicore Hybrid strings, adjustable bridge and padded bag.
$5,500 w bag

Shen Flat Back 3/4 Hybrid Bass

Set up and adjusted, w D'Addario Helicore Hybrid Strings. Adjustable bridge and padded bag

$5,600 w bag

Shen Model 150 5/8 Hybrid
Same set up as above. 
Special order.

Shen 3/4 Model 180 Violin corner Hybrid Bass.
Same set up as above.

Special order.

Pete's Upright Bass Shop of Portland, is proud to be Portland's exclusive source for Shen basses: The finest Chinese, student, basses on the market!

Model 80  size 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 (rental/rent to own)

$3,350

Model 88 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 Hand oiled finish. upgraded veneer.

$3,450

***ALL new Shen Laminated basses are set up, adjusted and approved by Pete himself. includes: Expert fingerboard dress, with just the right amount of scoop. High grade maple adjustable bridge, upgraded endpin, with choice of D'Addario Helicore strings standard. And of course, a padded gig bag.

 1946 Kay 5 string #13726 "Chubby Jackson" model Excellent condition for its age. Very powerful with a low B/C, or a high C string. Great sustain and volume. Easy playing 5 string. Flamed maple veneer, w amber/orange finish. Currently set up with Spirocore strings. Padded bag.

SOLD!

Call for current stock.

503-777-7027

ca.1947 Andreus Morelli (German) 3/4 

Round Back. Carved, Violin corners. Excellent condition. Label reads Made in Germany "USSR occupied".

Strong focused sound  pizzicato or arco. Played for many years in San Diego Symphony.
Also works great for jazz. 

WAS $14,500

SALE! $12,500