The oldest electric bass guitar in the world just sold for $23k

By Michael Astley-Brown
( Bass Guitar )
published

Meet the Audiovox 736, built in 1936

The Audiovox 736, built in 1936, is said to be the oldest electric bass guitar in the world, and just sold on eBay (opens in new tab) for $23,850.

Built by Paul Tutmarc in Seattle, Washington, the 736 was introduced 15 years before the Fender P-Bass, which brought the electric bass mass appeal when it launched in 1951.

The bass for sale is apparently one of only three Audiovox 736 models in the world, and was listed for auction by Tutmarc’s grandson.

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There are very few specs available, other than the body wood, which appears to be black walnut, and the bass features all original, working components.

Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com (opens in new tab), in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe (opens in new tab).

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