Soundpost bump... Should I worry ?

Inconnu · #1 12-18-2009, 10:51 AM

Hi !

I once had problems with a soundpost that was too tight on my plywood Strunal. I got it fixed but the luthier said that the bumps the tight soundpost left on the back and the slight one on the front will partially stay visible.

Right now it's winter and well, with the heating working it is dryer. I don't know if I'm imagining things but the front soundpost bump seems a bit more accentuated on my bass. Since I saw that, I've purchased a humidifier to ad humidity to the bass room. The bump seems to come back to it's original shape (with the wood expanding once more) but I'm still kind of worried. Should I visit a luthier ?

Note that the bass plays and sounds good, no unglueing or cracks have occured. Also note that I don't gig with the upright. It never leaves the bass room !

drurb · #2 12-18-2009, 11:00 AM

Better safe than sorry. Yes, see a luthier.

longfinger · #3 12-18-2009, 03:12 PM

Agreed. See your luthier. I'm seeing mine tomorrow for the same reason.

moles · #4 12-18-2009, 03:49 PM

+1

You were smart enough to have the too-tight soundpost addressed already (I wasn't) - if it looks like the bass is contracting and tightening the soundpost up again I'd head right down there to have it looked at.

longfinger · #5 12-19-2009, 05:09 PM

My luthier suggested I let him put in a "biscuit" (or is it 'bisket'?) under the sound post to help distribute the pressure onto a greater surface area of the back. It's just a thin piece of wood, placed on the back under the post. He'll adjust the length of the sound post too. He said he sees this often on ply wood basses, as sometimes the chosen ply's can be too thin to resist this pressure.

Fletcher Lanning · #6 12-19-2009, 08:15 PM

Theres one in my Kay, and it projects very well. It wasn't in my possession when it was originally put in so I'm not sure what the original intent was.

wayne holmes · #7 12-25-2009, 08:30 PM

I have used biskets(thin surface patch) several times- they work well on plywoods- IMO they should come on some plywoods. Some makers do install them.IME and IMO they are a very good thing and your Luthier is telling you what is the best thing to do.
Good luck!