blockless wonder

[notabene]

I have just gotten a 1930s carved, factory, German Flatback. It seems like it is virtually identical to one I restored a couple of years ago, which was in much worse shape. Someone slathered paint on it, and there are badly repaired cracks on the top, so the top is coming off, in any case. My question is: Should I go through the trouble of replacing the blockless neck by hacking up the old neck (which seems to be fine) and putting in a neck block, and then cutting the old neck to fit? Is there a sonic difference to be obtained?

Steven

[Mike Arnopol]

The important thing is the neck angle and the distance from the top to the fingerboard. If the tension feels fine and there4 is enough clearance for arco it's probably fine. I had a very nice blockless wonder years ago and had to put a block in. The angle was too shallow and there was way too little clearance. You can usually tell by the bridge height.

[notabene]

Thanks.

The neck angle is fine. I have another turn of the century blockless german flatback that I had to but in a shim to get the correct angle. Cheap bass a hundred years ago. Glorious now.

Steven

[bassics1975]

Some of these old blockless basses are gems. I just sold a late 19th century Bohemian blockless bass that was one of the best sounding instruments that I had ever owned. It wasn't much to look at but where it lacked in looks it made up for as a great musical instrument.

[notabene]

Sounds very like one I have. Looks as though it went through life carried in the back of, first, a wagon, then a series of pickup trucks. Without a case. And with improperly fastened tail gates. Fallen off, and bounced down the road? But it seems to have absorbed the pain it has gone through, and feeds it back with a gentle soulfulness. Now, it lives a life of luxury, with a well padded case, and respectful handling.