It's Gettin' Close and I'm Torn

Cathead · #1 05-11-2007, 03:30 AM

It's almost June and if everything works out that's when I will buy a new upright. But, I'm torn between the solid top for sound or the plywood for durability. I will play pretty much all bluegrass. I know if I go plywood I will always wonder what it would have been like to play a solid top. But, if I go solid and it splits on me I'll kick myself for not getting a plywood. Anybody here feel like nudging me a certain direction....ha ha? I'll probably spend between $2000.00-$3000.00.

jallenbass · #2 05-11-2007, 06:43 AM

Solid tops eventually crack. Most older basses have them. Don't worry about it. It' s a common repair. Some basses sound better after the top is taken off.

That said, if you play amplified you won't notice as big a difference in sound as if you only play unamplified. Plywood amplifies very well.

Jason Sypher · #3 05-11-2007, 07:39 AM

For mostly bluegrass I'd go ply. Believe it or not, sometimes and I say, sometimes, the carved sound isn't what BGers really want to hear. I big loud plywood makes everyone pick better and feel secure even if in reality it's almost too loud! I'd save a little more or get a loan or put some on a credit card and run to AES and buy a New Standard. It's tough enough for festivals but smooth enough for a recording studio. You will never be sorry. I know it would take a little more time and effort but you won't have that nagging buyers remorse. This comes from someone who has played many a night on a mountain top in the dewy mountain air and the middle of a dusty field at high noon. Plywood will give you peace of mind so you can play more music instead of looking for a shady spot to play so your carved bass doesn't get too much sun....etc etc If you can't get the extra cash, find an excellent old Kay, they're out there too.

Cathead · #4 05-11-2007, 02:08 PM

Well, I'll be playing amplified, and the hot sun and dewey nights are all a part of it. I don't know what AES is, but I live in southern WV and the closest bass shop that I know of is Fretwell's......about 3 1/2 hours away. 'Course, that ain't a problem. I might have a problem justifying any more than $3000.00 to my wife....ha ha. Thanks for the input, y'all. I was leaning toward the plywood already.....now I'm about to fall that way. Thanks again.

Jason Sypher · #5 05-11-2007, 04:32 PM

Then just get the best damn Kay you can find out there. They exist. I've played some really nice ones over the years and you may find a deal in WV. Incidentally, I always go to a festival called "Clifftop" down in the Southeast part of the state at George Washington Carver Park. It's absolutely beautiful. Check your local classifieds and see what you dig up at local shops. Try to avoid anything with a broken neck repair. If you are willing to drive a few hours you have quite a few options for bass shopping from your location. Don't settle for anything less than excellent.

klocwerk · #6 05-11-2007, 09:32 PM

plywood for the win.
If you have any concerns about durability at sketchy joints, humidity and temperature swings, etc., avoid a carved top.
just my $.02

Cathead · #7 05-11-2007, 10:52 PM

Ok....yep, that's Camp Washington-Carver......'bout 100 miles from here. There are no local shops around here.....none at all. That's what makes it difficult to try several basses and shop around, and I just can't afford to go stay a few days somewhere looking for a bass. But, y'all pretty well have me convinced to go plywood. My daughter is singing in a Dolly Parton contest in Seveirville, TN on the 19th and I am going along to accompany her on guitar. Maybe I'll see something there. I appreciate y'all taking the time and for your $.02.

Gufenov · #8 05-12-2007, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathead

There are no local shops around here.....none at all.

That's another reason to think ply. If you DO get a crack in a carved top, you'll want it repaired properly - or at least an informed opinion (as in luthier) whether it needs to be repaired at all.

Get a good-quality laminate and care for it - you can trade "up" later if you still have the urge.

Jason Sypher · #9 05-12-2007, 06:40 AM

http://www.bassviolinshop.com/

There are a number of basses to try and it might just be worth the drive.

Silversorcerer · #10 05-14-2007, 06:59 AM

The conventional wisdom is that plywood is more durable. Trouble is it usually sounds horrible arco. Of course if you don't want to play with a bow that may be fine. But I think carved basses can be as durable as one needs, even if plywood is quite obviously less prone to cracks.

I have a carved bass, a new one too, and at first I was real touchy thinking it needed pampering. After a bit, I just took it everywhere and played it. It's been to outdoor festivals, busking on cold nights, it's been everywhere. It has fallen on the pavement and bounced. Not all carved basses are as thin skinned as made out to be. And it sounds great arco. And much better pizz. than most plywood I've heard. I've seen plenty of plywood basses that had damage that would be harder to repair than closing a crack, such as delamination within the plys along the rib edges and sometimes the top or back. I don't think the durability is often as different as believed.

Jason Sypher · #11 05-14-2007, 02:58 PM

Hmmm, that may be true of a new carved. My thoughts were more from my experience with 100 year old plus instruments. I take my Prescott everywhere and have played it in conditions that should get me arrested. I've taken it on planes and trains across the plain in Spain and the old top cracks I've gotten have been when I left it sitting in my house unplayed while I rented something in Holland for a tour. STILL, I think the better money, for the application described, would be a thumping loud plywood bass.

ctxbass · #12 05-14-2007, 04:46 PM

I have a 40-50 year old German shop carved bass. No cracks, probably due a thicker top, sweet tone, plenty of sustain, but a bit lacking in depth.
I find myself playing my old ('37) Kay all the time. Nice tone, plenty of punch and depth. She's not much for arco, but neither am I.

Cathead · #13 05-14-2007, 06:30 PM

I'll be playing 99 and 44/100ths % pizz and amplified at that. But I will also do some recording here at home with whatever I buy. The recording is the main reason I wanted a solid top. I figured it would sound more woody. Ha.....I wish I could just get 2.....one to gig with and one to record with. The shop in Greensboro sounds and looks interesting. I love going south anyway and it ain't that far away. Thanks folks. I'm starting to get excited.