Looking for some knowledge.

buchanan6694 · #1 06-28-2010, 06:39 PM

Hey folks, just signed up to talkbass today, and I'm looking for some help about a knilling bass I just purchased. It was sold to me as a knilling bucharest 3/4 bass. I got it real cheap so no matter what, I'm very happy with it. First the paper label inside says "knilling sergumo" I think. And it says made in Romania. Also it has a flat profile on the "E" side of the fingerboard. And lastly, the measurment from the nut to the bridge is 40". Any help confirming that this, or isn't a bucharest model would be appreciated. Thanks.

longfinger · #2 06-28-2010, 07:23 PM

Hi,
the flat drop away on the E side of the finger board is normal. Keyword search "Romberg bevel".

As for the nut to bridge string length of 40" for a 3/4 bass, perhaps the bridge is not in the right place? The feet should be centered on the inside notches of the ff holes. And then check that the bridge back side (the one that points to the tailpiece) is at a 90 degree angle to the top edges. It should not be leaning towards the finger board. Normally a 3/4 bass has a string length of about 41" to 42".

Take it in to a bass shop and have it set up. That could cost a few hundred dollars, don't be scared. :-)
As long as it plays well, sounds good, and stays together, and you bought it at a fair price, it's all good.

check out the stickied posts for newbies.

MattyBass · #3 06-28-2010, 09:06 PM

No Pics.. No new Bass...

But posting pics would help if you'd like TB advice or info..

Congrats on the new bass...

buchanan6694 · #4 06-29-2010, 06:43 PM

Thanks for the help, I'm definately going to take it in for a setup. When I got it, the sound post was barely hangin on. As soon as I touched it, it fell over. Found a great flat prybar that worked perfectly to put back in. I'm sure it isn't back in the perfect spot, but it looks straight up and down and just behind the foot of the bridge. As far as the bridge placement, there are two notches on each f-hole. I centered the bridge in between them. That could be the reason for short length. Anyway thanks again for your advice, take care.

wdnewman · #5 06-30-2010, 04:18 PM

The sound post should be located generally one inch in front of and slightly to the center-right of the treble side foot of the bridge. Make sure tension is released off of the strings before you start moving the sound post anywhere.
I highly suggest you go to the setup section of this forum and do two searches. One on bridge placement and one on sound post placement.
The newbie section is also a good read for everyone with a first bass. A little knowledge is better before you buy, but I guess we can't have everything.
Most importantly, get it to a shop.
Less importantly, but still needed, is for you to fill out your profile. We don't know your experiences, your current musical knowledge, where you live, your age, your expectations, etc., and therefore can't give you as much help as we could if we did know these things.

buchanan6694 · #6 06-30-2010, 05:44 PM

Hey wdnewman, thanks for the tips. I hope I didn't give anyone a heart attack by saying that I used a prybar on my bass. The shape and flatness of it just helped to very lightly put it (the sound post) into place. It's flat and has the v grooves on the ends which helped stabilize the sound post as I snugged it into place. I'm sure not the right place, but good enough till I get into the shop. And yes, I did loosen the strings. I sent the guys at Cincinnati Bass Cellar an email about getting it in. I haven't checked my emails yet, but I'm getting the process started. Thanks again.

wdnewman · #7 07-01-2010, 06:20 PM

Some months past I looked at a really nice Romanian Knilling. It looked well constructed but even though it was three or four years old it had never been set up.
It had a hairline crack in the neck which killed the deal. It did not have a Romberg bevel and was all plywood. Put in some pictures of your new bass. Would love to see it.
Oh yeah... Thanks for updating the profile. It really helps.