A new seam

[MIKMAN]

Dear friends i've just found a seam in the back plate, near the endpin, with a length of 10 cm. I know how to use my spool clamps in order to fix it, but i noticed a small bulge in the rib. I opened the seam a little using my palette knife and warm water but i am not able to press it back in its former position. Is there any method to supress it and glue the rib to the back plate? If i glue it as it is there will be a minor aesthetical problem in a place scarcely noticed, so actually there is no problem. Any idea will be appreciated.
Michael

[Dan Fera]

Any chance of posting a photo or two?

[toman]

Photos would help, and a description of the instrument. If what I'm imagining is accurate, the back plate doesn't want to line up with the rib unless you use a lot of pressure to put it back into place. Is that it? Perhaps there is just a lot of stress, and if you were to open up more of the seam it would even out. Then you could glue it up with little or no tension.

Or you could take it to a luthier. Don't glue it up wonky though, get it fixed one way or another. Its probably a simple issue.

[MIKMAN]

[QUOTE
Or you could take it to a luthier. Don't glue it up wonky though, get it fixed one way or another. Its probably a simple issue.[/quote]
Thanks Toman, it seems that i ressemble the best luthier's substitute. I pressed it lightly with a C clamp and then i glued it using my spool clamps. Everything is OK now and the sound is unaffected. There is a small swelling in the rib joint (because i was a bit scared to press it more) but it's very hard to spot it. Thanks.

[toman]

Originally Posted by MIKMAN

[QUOTE
Or you could take it to a luthier. Don't glue it up wonky though, get it fixed one way or another. Its probably a simple issue.

Thanks Toman, it seems that i ressemble the best luthier's substitute. I pressed it lightly with a C clamp and then i glued it using my spool clamps. Everything is OK now and the sound is unaffected. There is a small swelling in the rib joint (because i was a bit scared to press it more) but it's very hard to spot it. Thanks.[/quote]

Well that's good, but frankly I'd be concerned about how long it will hold, and what might pop open or crack next. I don't like the idea of gluing anything under tension, unless it is just to get to that next gig. I still say have a luthier look at it...

[MIKMAN]

Dear Toman, the problem is that the nearest luthier is 354 Km away from my city and i doubt his abilities in double basses. So i have to improve my own ability in minor repairs, adjustments etc. In Greece there is not a serious market for double basses, so only a few luthiers have the necessary knowledge to deal with set ups, repairs etc. This situation does not apply to violins, where we have better people with great experience and better results, but in DB the problem remains. This forum is a source of knowledge for people like me because we have the chance to communicate and share opinions with many respectable people.
That's the reason why i'm planning to donate to the forum and be a supporting member http://www.talkbass.com/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif
Smile
Michael