Fell down, went bong.

Erich Bruning · #1 01-21-2010, 10:21 PM

Well, I had practice this evening, and while leaving work carrying my bass out to the car, I slipped on some unseen black ice and went down. Luckily, I didn't land completely on it, but it hit the pavement and I kind of hit it with my shoulder. I the bass (Lidl laminate) it in a padded Pro-Tec case.

Anyway, went to practice and checked it out in the light. A few dings and marks, but nothing major that I could see. It seems to play fine. My only observation was that the low end (E and A strings) seemed quieter than usual, although I was being hyper critical.

I planned on taking it for a tune up in the next month or so, and am now wondering if there is anything else I should have checked out when I take it in. Just wondering if there is anything that could have been damaged (bracing etc..) that wouldn't be seen on a quick visual inspection.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Erich

Joe Gress · #2 01-21-2010, 10:30 PM

Read the title wrong, thought you needed munchie advice.

Break out the flashlight and check the inside seams and ribs. If any are cracked I imagine that they would need to be looked at.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #3 01-21-2010, 11:09 PM

Take it in ASAP, like tomorrow if possible. You don't want to take any chances.

SLivinghouse · #4 01-21-2010, 11:29 PM

You should post this in the "Setup and Repair" section. But look through the F holes and see if the sound post is in place. If not - loosen the strings and take it in.

MR PC · #5 01-22-2010, 12:49 AM

From your description of the accident, I'd be more worried about your shoulder and back than the bass.....in any case your luthier should be able to give you an accurate prognosis of the effects of the accident on your bass.

Erich Bruning · #6 01-22-2010, 06:20 AM

Sorry about the wrong location for the thread, I thought about that this morning. Can a mod move it, or is it best to just re-post?

I have a mirror and angle flexible led light and will try to have a look at at the seams. I'm also going to call and see if I can get it looked at. I don't have a day off for the next week and a half so it will be a bit before I can take it in. Just want to take the proper precautions in the mean time.

Thanks for the concern Mr PC. I'm a bit sore this morning, but nothing too serious.

drurb · #7 01-22-2010, 07:35 AM

Sorry to hear of your fall. I agree that it would be best to have it looked at by a luthier. Ask a mod to move this; please don't double post.

trunkshope6 · #8 01-22-2010, 11:00 AM

well seeing how visually the bass looks fine,i wouldnt worry too much about it.

Haha reminds me of a friend who was skating with his bass on his shoulders and he fell giving a nice big crack in it,mind u it was just an entry level ibanez but still.

1st Bass · #9 01-22-2010, 01:10 PM

Is there a possibility that the bridge shifted sideways a tad? Is it still centered between the f-holes? That could have the effect you describe, I think. And it is the kind of change that is hard to notice, unless you are looking for it. Also the kind of change I would expect from the described accident.

Just a thought-- the soundpost is a likely culprit, too, of course.

gbaker · #10 01-25-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erich Bruning

Well, I had practice this evening, and while leaving work carrying my bass out to the car, I slipped on some unseen black ice and went down. Luckily, I didn't land completely on it, but it hit the pavement and I kind of hit it with my shoulder. I the bass (Lidl laminate) it in a padded Pro-Tec case.

Anyway, went to practice and checked it out in the light. A few dings and marks, but nothing major that I could see. It seems to play fine. My only observation was that the low end (E and A strings) seemed quieter than usual, although I was being hyper critical.

I planned on taking it for a tune up in the next month or so, and am now wondering if there is anything else I should have checked out when I take it in. Just wondering if there is anything that could have been damaged (bracing etc..) that wouldn't be seen on a quick visual inspection.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Erich

For what it is worth -
I have an EC-1. Occasionally, after I have moved it, and for no apparent reason the low E through C range gets all choked up. I have inspected, tapped, wiggled, twisted, flexed, or prodded every conceivable part on it to try to fix it quickly with no positive results. But if I play it, it slowly comes back or if I move it again, the next time I play it is OK. This has happened several times.

Just a week ago, several people had been playing it or it or it been setting in a stand at a fest for 3 days just fine, then a lady picked it up and carried it 10 feet, arm across the strings by the RH C bout (not my preference), and the E & A strings all but died. The evening happened to end and the next day it was OK.

Did yours recover?