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Rare 1930s Alcoa Aluminum Double Bass / Fiddle / String Bass

About the Item

Extremely rare aluminum string bass, circa 1930s, bass was originaly wood grain painted, has been stripped and polished.. restrung and set up, new bridge and custom (alcoa) tail piece, original ebony fret board, Sounds amazing. If purchasing to play, wonderful decorative sculpture, Pfretzschner aluminum bass In 1928, The Aluminum Company of America manufactured 50 aluminum double basses at their Buffalo, NY plant for Carl Fischer, who owned a musical supply house in New York. The ALCOA Buffalo facility was a “skunk works” where they manufactured experimental aluminum products. There was enough interest in these instruments that a January 1934 patent was issued to John Burdick and assigned to ALCOA. By the time the plant closed that November, ALCOA had made and delivered a total of approximately 500 basses. These were sold as “The Collegian” model and later as “ the Joseph Maddy All Aluminum String Bass”. They were available in the following standard finish and price: Natural (Faux) wood finish: $220 Silver (unpainted) aluminum : $230 Gold painted aluminum : $240.
  • Creator:
    Alcoa Aluminum (Maker),John Burdick (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 72 in (182.88 cm)Width: 27 in (68.58 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1930s
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. one minor dent to side of body (see photo).
  • Seller Location:
    Buffalo, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1062428149552
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