2008 Wan Bernadel Scroll graft?

[james condino]

I had someone come by this week with two broken bass scrolls. One was a less than one year old Wan Bernadel, fully carved solid wood model- actually a pretty decent bass; she bought it elsewhere fro approx $5k. The scroll completely broke off about 1/2" under the nut. Under the plain eye, it seemed like your typical scroll break.

Closer inspection under a magnifying light on the "operating table" revealed that the scroll and neck are made of two separate sections and pieced together just the way I would do a full scroll graft for a new neck / save the original funky scroll repair/ replacement. Is this the way they manufacture them- in two pieces and then they are glued up? From a manufacturing standpoint, I can understand it, but from another it doesn't sit that well for me. Under the lense, you can clearly see that it was done at the factory and then varnished over. No other repair work has been done. The broken part that has exposed wood now also looks to have a bit of staining in the maple, something like a light or early stages of spalting or such discoloration, that I would consider a weak spot. To me it seems like this should be either a warranty replacement issue or at least have the original seller pay for the repair to be done. The original place of purchase is not local.

Am I on the right track? Any suggestions?

j.

( on a side note, the original fingerboard was glued on with- you guessed it- something other than hide glue that does not want to let loose.....)

[LouisF]

I would take it up with Steve at the String Emporium. My dealings with him have always been pleasant and forthright - and I'm sure he's interested in maintaining quality and reputation. IMO

Louis

[forester]

spalting= ambrosia beetle and expect to see a lot more in the future since soft maple is one of its the favorite host. i see many CB's with the tell tale stain beneath the finnish at the neck and scroll. the irony: the pest was imported from asia.