1930s King Mortone (Modded) 3/4 Double Bass

This bass is an extra-oddball instrument. Its neck and ribs appear to be from an original, 1930s King Mortone 3/4 upright. The top and back, however, seem to be replaced. Usually Mortones have ply tops and backs (like Kays or Epiphones) but this one has a carved, spruce top and a carved, mystery-wood, multi-layered (side to side) back. I doubt this is "factory original" but you never know -- it could be some sort of one-off. The whole thing looks like it was refinished in the '70s or '80s in a uniform, medium-reddish-brown. It's a good job, though, and looks tidy and "vintage."

Except for adjusting the bridge, I had nothing else to do on this bass. It'd already seen good work in the past and it arrived here sporting a set of LaBella Black Tapewound strings (~$190 value) and a Fishman BP-100 pickup. It's certainly gig-ready!

Playability is fast and easy (and action can be dialed-in with thumbwheels at the bridge) though the neck is a pretty standard "chunky vintage C" shape on its rear. These Mortone necks have a longer, 43" scale length and so the tension is a little higher than your average 3/4 bass. Tone is focused and forward, with that excellent "ker-plunk" sound that you want to hear from a solid-top instrument.

Overall it's in excellent shape, too, though the top has fallen under the bridge to a flattish shape over the years. It's stable, though. The bracing is all glued-up correctly and intact and the top doesn't visibly flex much as tension is added or removed. The fingerboard is straight and in good order as well.

It's a classy-looking bass -- ready to go for plugged-in band work -- and has a very old-school, percussive, woody voice that's endearing and fat.

It comes with a funky old gigbag and stand.