bass of unknown origin

[theehman]

Just got this bass yesterday and I'm a bit puzzled by it. I purchased it because of it's similarity to the Bartells I'm so fond of ().

There are some things that are what I would expect from a Bartell (zero fret, metal string spacer, truss rod cover, etc) but some details like the neck mounting and the pickups are unlike any other Bartell bass I've seen. I'm forced to consider one of 4 scenarios:
1) early prototype for Bartell w/possibly some changed parts
2) custom unit
3) Japanese copy (nothing points to this that I can see)
4) homemade copy (looks a little too well done in some areas)

Has anyone ever seen pickups like these? What's your best guess on this?





Link to album:

[wietse]

love it!!

the pickups look like some dearmond models but that's al i can say, it has a lot things in common with the bartell's on that site, too much to be a coincidence.
did you already contacted the owner of that site?

[theehman]

That's my site. There's a Lindert site in the works, too.

[Bassassin]

My first impression is that it's a modified/restored Bartell, where the owner has substituted or fabricated missing parts. Definitely not a Japanese copy.

Jon.

[theehman]

The more I look at it and compare it to my other Bartell basses, the more I'm inclined towards the early Bartell or custom Bartell. Guess I did good for $150. Just played it through a Bartell Mini Bass amp and it sounds great!