how to make a double bass?

[abels6]

ive decided i want a challenge rather than easily making a regular bass. this time ive decided to make a double bass.

im new to making double basses so if anyone has a guide on how to make it could u leave me a link or send me a private message so u could email it to me, or even post it here. i would preferably like the challenge of making an acoustic rather than the electric.

thanks alot

[Matthew Tucker]

Start with a log of wood ...

[theshadow2001]

I dunno man. If your new to the instrument how can you expect yourself to build one? I mean you might as well try make a saxaphone or something. Anyway there's luthier forums here you'll probably find some advice there.

[justbill]

Hi, Years ago I had the same intention and bought a couple of books frome lemur.
Every winter I still think about giving a whirl but something always gets in the way;
babies, work, lack of space.

The books "How to Make a Double Bass" and "Essential Measurements for Violin Makers"
are still available a from lemur at

http://shop1.mailordercentral.com/le...ts.asp?dept=67

The wade book comes complete with patterns to transfer. I've read through it and
tried to picture the process, it actually seems do-able. But I'm no expert. There are
also probably alot of neccessary basic skills that are not covered in the book.
But what the heck, if you got the time the money the tools and like that sort of thing.

I'd still love to give this a shot, oh well, maybe when I retire and get that big heated
garage/ practice studio out in the country with an automatic coffee pot and all of
norm abrams tools and the kids are grown and...........

The guy who fixes my bass when I break it also reccomends the traeger book as
essential for anyone who owns a DB.

Good luck on your project UL some pics if'n you get it goin.

bill

[flint]

let me offer a small piece of advice if you don't mind.

Start with a violin. There are kits, and much more books, medie, and forums available to help with the construction of a violin. Not to mention you're looking at the difference of:

good violin top wood: +/-$100

beginner bass top wood: $495 ( I know cause I just looked)

and the difference continues for backs(although you can make a flat back bass for a lot less $$$ than carved), necks, & fingerboards.

Anyway this is the path that I have chosen. It seems that a good bit of the methodology translates between the two, it's just a whole lot easier to find space for work, and easier to handle a violin. That way you can find out if you're really interested.

one more thing-a lot of the tools will be usable for both, so you won't have to purchase two totally different sets of tools.

anyway, just my 2 cents.

[Matthew Tucker]

If cost is an issue you I think could always build a hybrid using 3mm/6mm ply for ribs and back and use any old pine for the top.

But if you're going to spend 600+ hours on your first bass you might as well do it properly.

A violin as a trainer project is all very well, as sensible idea. Problem is, I couldn't get excited by a violin!

[Michael Case]

What's a regular bass?

[justbill]

Mathew, I had planned on going to sleep early tonight, but I got started reading your bass journal. Couldnt.. stop..had to find out how it all came out in the end. The story continues. Nice work, you have all my admiration and envy.

bill

[Matthew Tucker]

Originally Posted by justbill

I had planned on going to sleep early tonight, but I got started ...

LOL! Imagine how it is for me!