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Setup & Repair [DB] Exploring the issues involved in setting up and repairing basses, along with luthier recommendations.


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  #1  
Old 07-03-2009, 04:49 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Fingerboard Dressing in Maine

I have an old German bass that I'm trying to start playing again. I've been told that it has excessive scoop and the fingerboard needs to be dressed to make it more easily playable. I'm located in coastal Maine, about 4 hrs north of Portland and 6 hours from Boston. Can anyone recommend a luthier or bass repair person nearby who might be able to do this, and about how much will I have to spend (assuming that's all they need to do, the bass actually sounds pretty good, it just takes tremendous effort to stop the strings, and lowering the bridge would create a buzz). I work as a carpenter, and it's occurred to me to try this myself, if I have to, so any guidance along those lines would be appreciated. Thanks
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  #2  
Old 07-03-2009, 07:49 PM
AES Fine Instruments
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Brewster, NY, USA
Tom, I don't know if there's anyone in your part of Maine. There are a lot of instrument and bow makers in Maine, though. Perhaps George Rubino could give you a referral. He's an excellent bowmaker (and bassist) in Pownal, near Freeport. http://www.rubinobows.com Or, you could go to several guys down in Boston. As you are a carpenter, you could try it yourself with some advice and encouragement. Here's the first step: Break out your adjustable-mouth standard-angle block plane, and sharpen the blade at about 30degrees until it's as sharp as possible. Then check back here.

Oh, by the way, one of the most common causes of excessive camber (scoop) is the fingerboard coming loose from the neck, usually at the nut end. You'll have to check it out with the strings off, so watch the soundpost...
  #3  
Old 07-04-2009, 09:18 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Warwick, RI & Stonington, CT
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Jonathan Cooper is in Windham (I think). Great violin maker who prob knos his way around a cello and could prob do a good job on a bass IF he is willing to do basses.
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  #4  
Old 07-04-2009, 05:08 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London, Ontario
Max Kasper

If you're willing to drive to Halifax, Max Kasper would do a great job with your fingerboard and anything else your bass might need.

He plays on a bass and bow he both built. His bows are used by Joel Quarrington and Gary Karr.

He once rebuilt a a bass for me that came to him in a garbage bag of wood bits.

He can be contacted through the Symphony Nova Scotia office: info@symphonyns.ca or 1-902-421-1300.
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