How to protect my disappearing edges

tyb507 · #1 07-15-2006, 12:36 PM

I'm trying my best to be careful and not bump the edges of my bass, which is a little 1860's German flatback, but they just seem to wear more and more! There isn't that much to spare in some spots, and on the areas where the grains taper and run-out they are starting to separate.
I bought a stand so I don't have to lay it down anymore, but is there something I can to to harden the wood around the edges? And can I glue the little grain ends back in place or something? If I had one of those film-free cameras I'd post a pic...alas.
I've just started working with a luthier friend, so I have access to hide glue and tools and guidance, just thought I'd check here for some advice as well. Seems like there is an abundance of knowldge floating around this forum!
Thanks,
tyler

mchildree · #2 07-15-2006, 05:13 PM

You might do a search for thread titles containing "bumpers"...been a few lengthy ones with good advice.

Jazzin' · #3 07-15-2006, 11:44 PM

Excuse my noobness, but aren't the bumpers just for when you lay the bass down? Or are there bumpers for all the edges?

KSB - Ken Smith · #4 07-16-2006, 04:49 AM

If Bumpers are not enough and the Top edges are too far gone, the remedy would be re-edging.

When a Bass is restored and the Top comes off, often there are pieces that are too distressed to be put back as they may crumble and break when the top is taken off. For this, the restorer can dohHalf-Edging under the Lip and replace the missing pieces above or re-Lip the entire Top if necessary.

Some of this 200+ year old Bass was entirely re-Lipped just under the Purfling line about 20-25 years ago and is invisible to the naked eye; http://www.kensmithbasses.com/Double...ages/dodd2.jpg

This Bass is now being restored and only some of the Top was Lipped on the outside but completly half-Edged on the inside; http://www.kensmithbasses.com/Double...esBass/137.jpg

If this Bass is opened up again in my lifetime by anyone other than the current restorer, the repairman will want to shake the hand of the guy who brought back life and strength to these Edges that were neglected for the past 192 years.

It is best to preserve these old Basses when ever repairs are needed. ?> When should one actually get the job done? As soon as you see things are turning for the worse or as soon as you notice something wrong like seeing fresh cracks starting!

mchildree · #5 07-16-2006, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzin'

Excuse my noobness, but aren't the bumpers just for when you lay the bass down? Or are there bumpers for all the edges?

This is true, yes. Guess I assumed he had wear in all the usual places...

tyb507 · #6 07-16-2006, 08:10 AM

Thanks for the replies. I'm not too interested in bumpers, and I'm trying not to lay it down much, anyway. I bought the bass from a friend who restored as a training instrument, and re-edging wasn't involved. He reassembled it years ago, and gigged exstensively with it, as do I. It's seen it's share of use!
I'll ask him and my meister about re-edging it at some point.
You're right, Mr. Smith, I'd rather preserve this instrument than alter it or doing a quick fix...but I got no $$! Thought I'd see if there was something I can do to ****** the process until I can afford to have work done, or am good enough to do it myself! Though I can see why sooner is better than later!