How to tell if a bass is carved, fully carved, or laminate?

AuxOne · #1 09-10-2010, 11:44 AM

Hi,
I'm in the market for my first upright bass, but I have a pretty decent job so I'd like to start with a quality instrument. I've seen some decent things on craigslist but it's occurred to me that I'll need to be able to determine the quality of the craftsmanship visually.

Can anyone link me to a good guide regarding this? For example, I've noticed that most laminates are flat backed, many seem like the back is a single piece of wood. However, some carved basses seem to occasionally have a seem down the back of the bass. Is this an indication that is it not 'fully' carved?

In short, I'd just like some tips on how to look at the grain, flatness, and shape of the wood as an aid in determining the method of construction. I've seen Kays for $2000 that are clearly laminates, but then I've seen some Korean basses that are supposedly carved for roughly the same price.

I don't want to buy into some gimmick like a half carved half laminate thing being sold as fully carved.

Thanks!!!

Bass · #2 09-10-2010, 11:57 AM

Hi AuxOne. Welcome to TalkBass!

Hey look! Somebody asked the same question as you on May 3, 2004:

Carved or Laminated?

drurb · #3 09-10-2010, 12:53 PM

Indeed, welcome. My advice is that you read the newbie links here very carefully. They contain a wealth of information for new buyers. It's certainly not the case that most laminates are flatbacks. In fact, most are roundbacks. Most fully carved basses do not have a single piece back. No offense intended, but you are confusing many issues re seams, fully-carved or not, etc. In addition, as a novice, you will not be able to come even close to determining the quality of craftsmanship by eye. The link Bass provided is a good start for determining whether a bass is a laminate, hybrid, or fully-carved. There is so much more to it all than that. I commend your willingness to learn and you should know all you can about the instrument before you plunk down your $$$. Still, the best thing you can do is to have a trusted teacher and/or other double bass expert help you to shop. Craigslist can be very risky.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #4 09-10-2010, 01:11 PM

To add what little I can to Drurb's post, don't assume that a particular carved bass will be superior to a laminated one, or vice versa in the same price range. The best thing you can do at this stage is to educate yourself and seek the advice of an experienced player or luthier as you go forward.