New Bass, Cracked Top

pontz · #1 06-23-2006, 09:25 AM

Yesterday I bought my first upright bass (I've played BG for years). I got a nice hybrid bass at a great price. But when I got home I noticed a small crack in the top. It extends about 2 in. up from the top of the F-hole. I'm hesitant to exchange the bass because it sounds better than any others that I played, even others of the same model. On the other hand, I shelled out a lot of money for it.

What should I do? Ask for a repair and keep the bass? Or get a new one that might not sound as good?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Pontz (newbie to this side of the forum)

fish slapper · #2 06-23-2006, 09:52 AM

I'll let the more experienced hands have the final say but if it were me, I'd be taking it back. Hybrid = carved top. Small cracks become big cracks.

At least you bought local so you have someone to talk to about it.

Ed Fuqua · #3 06-23-2006, 10:09 AM

They're wood. They crack.

I don't know how big a deal it is (and you should e-mail one of the resident luthiers Jeff, Arnold or Nick) for a new bass. But no matter new or old, at some point it WILL start cracking. It happens. Most of the time it's no big deal, some linen and some glue. Sometimes cleats. If it's around the soundpost area that can be a problem.

But a little crack by the f-hole? Go get it glued up.

AMJBASS · #4 06-23-2006, 10:13 AM

That can be a fairly simple repair. I would definitely have it repaired if you like the sound that much.

philip sirois · #5 06-23-2006, 01:40 PM

I would keep the bass, if of course the crack seems insignificant, although I wouldn't be beyond politicking for a repair AND a discount, or maybe some other consideration(a free cheap bow, strings, etc?) Like you said, you paid good money. A good dealer should be happy to help you out.

pontz · #6 06-23-2006, 02:23 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm going to keep the bass. I talked to the shop and they're going to repair the crack so it doesn't get any worse.

Cheers,
Brian

Eric Rene Roy · #7 06-24-2006, 07:51 PM

Pontz, just so there is no speculation as to which shop it is as your header says you are in CT, it is not one of our Hybrid's, right? I asked both Gary and Jack and they did not seem to know this situation.

Feel free to bring it in to our place though if you want a second opinion.

drurb · #8 06-25-2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eroy

Pontz, just so there is no speculation as to which shop it is as your header says you are in CT, it is not one of our Hybrid's, right? I asked both Gary and Jack and they did not seem to know this situation.

Well, I for one, was wondering. It may not even be a shop in CT. If it is, I know of at least one, such that if they supplied me with a cracked bass and an offer for repair, I still would not be so sanguine! The point being that, whether it makes sense to agree to a repair on a new bass, depends on who is doing the repair and standing by the instrument. Not all luthiers and so-called luthiers are created equal.

pontz · #9 06-25-2006, 07:01 PM

Geez, I purposely didn't mention the shop name. Now I've been asked both publically and privately about it, which makes me want to mention the name less. The fact is that the shop was not in CT and they have been excellent to deal with. This was the second bass I bought there. The first one I brought back after a few days for no other reason than my wife santioned me to spend some additional money. The shop had no problem with me upgrading from a laminated bass to a hybrid and when I called them about the crack, they we glad to do whatever I wanted, an exchange, a repair, whatever. Maybe they should have seen the crack, but then again, maybe it happened while acustomer was handling the bass, who knows. The last thing I want is for this place ot get a bad reputation, I would go back there in a heartbeat.

I hope you all understand why I don't want to mention the name.

Cheers,
Brian

Chasarms · #10 06-25-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pontz

Geez, I purposely didn't mention the shop name. Now I've been asked both publically and privately about it, which makes me want to mention the name less. The fact is that the shop was not in CT and they have been excellent to deal with. This was the second bass I bought there. The first one I brought back after a few days for no other reason than my wife santioned me to spend some additional money. The shop had no problem with me upgrading from a laminated bass to a hybrid and when I called them about the crack, they we glad to do whatever I wanted, an exchange, a repair, whatever. Maybe they should have seen the crack, but then again, maybe it happened while acustomer was handling the bass, who knows. The last thing I want is for this place ot get a bad reputation, I would go back there in a heartbeat.

I hope you all understand why I don't want to mention the name.

Cheers,
Brian

It sounds to me that they are doing all the right things to garner a good reputation.

drurb · #11 06-25-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasarms

It sounds to me that they are doing all the right things to garner a good reputation.

+1!

toman · #12 06-26-2006, 01:29 AM

Basses are wood, wood cracks. Thus, basses crack. Glue it, and if possible put a cleat on there if it's not too much work, and play the thing... Plus, old cracks=street cred, right?

D McCartney · #13 06-26-2006, 08:18 AM

pontz, how is the humidity in CT?
Dampits

drurb · #14 06-26-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D McCartney

pontz, how is the humidity in CT?
Dampits

I can answer that from my own experience. During the winter it is not difficult to maintain a home in the 40-50% range with a whole-house humidifier and/or room humidifier.

The spring can really fool you, though. During April-May, we open up the windows and invite in the refreshing air. I've seen the humidity drop into the low 30's at that time. The humidifier seems quite crucial then.

During this time of year, you can be in the 50-60% range with no A/C and into the 40s with A/C.

That's probably more than you wanted to know!

Cory Palmer · #15 06-26-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pontz

Geez, I purposely didn't mention the shop name. Now I've been asked both publically and privately about it, which makes me want to mention the name less. The fact is that the shop was not in CT and they have been excellent to deal with. This was the second bass I bought there. The first one I brought back after a few days for no other reason than my wife santioned me to spend some additional money. The shop had no problem with me upgrading from a laminated bass to a hybrid and when I called them about the crack, they we glad to do whatever I wanted, an exchange, a repair, whatever. Maybe they should have seen the crack, but then again, maybe it happened while acustomer was handling the bass, who knows. The last thing I want is for this place ot get a bad reputation, I would go back there in a heartbeat.

I hope you all understand why I don't want to mention the name.

Cheers,
Brian

I don't think the shop would get a bad reputation if you mentioned the name. It seems like they are doing everything a good shop should do. Even the best shops can miss the fact that a bass has a little crack.