Here’s a really interesting Bartell bass. Based on the shorter horns, 3 controls and 4-bolt neck attachment I believe this is a very early bass. The shorter horns and 3 controls along with a similar bridge system can also be seen on this bass while this bass has the short horns and the 4-bolt neck. Originally I thought the pickups were aftermarket but a doubleneck guitar/bass recently surfaced that has the same pickups present on the bass side. I believe the tuners were originally Kluson 538 bass tuners since the 6-string fretless has the same marks on the headstock. Unfortunately, at some point this bass was refinished and the tuners, knobs, and possibly the pots, were replaced. Kluson 538 tuners would place it in the early to mid 60s while the 4 bolt neck matches the 6-string fretless that has a pot code of 1961. The wooden cover is likely a replacement.
Update: I was contacted by a gentleman in Nevada who provided proof that this bass was his and was stolen from him shortly before I purchased it on eBay. It’s gone back to him and he’s in the process of fixing it up. He and his father had done all the modifications.
From the owner: “It was the first bass I ever bought with my own money in 1968 from Whittier Plaza Music in La Habra Ca. I gave it to a friend who returned it to me in 2010. Originally a sunburst it was in pieces when I got it back. It had very little value at the time so my father and I made a project of it. I had the neck refretted in Vegas by Bernie Hamberger and made a new cover plate for the back. New knobs and tuners. It is a one of a kind bass with only sentimental value”
“If i remember correctly when Bernie refretted the neck, you will notice it warped a little around the 10th fret. Also the new tuners wrecked the balance and made it neck heavy. Wasn’t alot of info about Bartell basses on line 10 years ago i bought it used in 68 but its probably 66 or so. thanks”
