40 year old carved bass: Top warp
 

Hi all,

I've tried finding info on warped tops, but haven't had as much luck as I would have liked.

I live in Canada, so we are in the midst of our cruel and unforgiving winter!
After finishing a move to a new apartment, I've noticed my bass has some slight warping on the top. One side appears to have a bit more of a pronounced curve to it, while the other side is flatter (not sunken)

I think it's always been there, it also looks like the bridge has been fitted to the shape... it might just be more noticeable in room it's in now.

Is this a problem? Is it something that tends to happen to older basses? Is there a remedy and if there is should I take it to the luthier asap?

Thanks for any help/ responses!

Cheers

PS: Pictures?

For your peace of mind take the bass to a luthier - call it a health checkup.

Distortion of the belly (front) can happen even with relatively new basses. You can have a lateral distortion , a lengthwise distortion or a combination of the two (twisting). The wings of the F holes can be an indicator of what is happening by the way they drop or stick up. Structural weakness can be in the bass bar and/or the thicknessing and arching (in both directions) of the front. Is the top carved or ply? IME ply fronted basses are more prone to sinking than carved basses, especially at each end of the bass bar.

Another reason may be the length of the sound post or if it is positioned too far below the foot of the bridge.

Yes, take the bass to a luthier!

best wishes,

DP