crack closing clamp ideas?

[tyb507]

Hey all,
So I'm getting ready to closeup some cracks seams on my bass (1860's German flatback), and the one thing I need to figure out is how to clamp across the top plate to close a crack near the upper corner. I was just at Met Music's warehouse. They have clamps to span things as large as a cello, but not a bass. I guess I'll be making a clamp.
I'd like to see some ideas. Anybody have a picture of a homemade clamp like this? One in use? A list of hardware-store-sourced parts I could get to make one? Or a link to a commercially-available clamp that is affordable?
My lutherie mentor's shop is setup for making mandolins and fiddles, and not necessarily repairing a bass!
Thanks,
tyler

[Martin Sheridan]

Go on line to Howard Core and Co. They sell those clamps for basses. They are made by Herdim and cost about sixty bucks each, you'll need several. Or look at the pictures and maybe you can figure out to make some, but if you consider running to the hardware store a few times, the cost of your time etc maybe you are better off buying some. Then again are you going to use them once or many times? There are also edge clamps for atttaching to the edge of the bass where the crack comes there. They work like a vice, pulling the crack together at the end, but they won't pull it together all the way up if you have a long crack.

Finally there's always big rubber bands and inner tube?