I was looking inside my bass and noticed that the sound post has a crack running through it from top to bottom. Wondering if this affects the sound. Should i get it replaced and if so what do i look for in buying a new soundpost? Discuss? Thanks
Munk
I'd get it replaced right away by a good bass luthier. I'm sure the San Fran folks will weigh in on who to take it to. This is not a do it yourself job.
Is that a plywood bass? Lots of them have hardwood soundposts, and the "crack" is a sawn slot-- I would think it is there to make it possible to use a soundpost setter, as the dowel they used is too hard to permit that standard practice of "sticking' the post.
I have no idea what the advantage is in the hardwood soundpost, but I have seen them plenty of times.
the "crack" is a sawn slot-- I would think it is there to make it possible to use a soundpost setter, as the dowel they used is too hard to permit that standard practice of "sticking' the post.
Owner/The Bass Spa, String Repairman/L & M Vancouver
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Crescent Beach, BC
Quote:
Originally Posted by ehochberg
Slot top to bottom?
Yup, its a Kay thing. Its a narrow dado right down one side, usually about 1/3 the depth of the post. They did it with both hardwood and softwood sound posts through the years. No problem.
Regard your cracked sound post. I just refinished a Kay upright built in 1938. Never did anything like this before. But as much as I tried to keep pressure on the sound post during refinishing it fell out of place. I did not want to spend the $75.00 plus dollars for a sound post setter. I went and bought a tool like dentist used for teeth. It locks closed when you squeez it. I heated up the finger hole handles with a small torch and bent them 90 degrees. It works perfect. By bending the handles ( finger holes) it allows me to lower the sound post through the f hole and set it in place. Works really great and it only cost $5.95. If you want I could send you a photo of it. Good luck! Marktwain
