split seams and stands

greitzer · #1 07-01-2006, 05:55 PM

Hopefully the luthiers out there in TalkBass land can help with this one.

Last week I noticed a seam had opened on my bass, where the back meets the side, at the bottom right of the bass as you face the instrument. My luthier repaired it a couple of days ago. He said sometimes a change in weather can do this, and he also said stress on the seam can do it.

After I got my repaired bass back home, I put it on the stand where I always keep it. And it occurred to me, maybe this is putting stress on the seam? It's a cradle-arm stand, not the kind where you put the endpin in a cup, but the kind where you rest the bottom of the bass on these two cushioned arms that act like a cradle. So, the seam that opened up, is right where the weight of the bass is coming down on the cradle. Is this putting the kind of stress on it that could cause a seam to open up? Would a simple stand with an endpin cup be better than one of these cradle stands, for that reason? Thanks in advance for any advice.

KSB - Ken Smith · #2 07-03-2006, 01:23 PM

In the cup type stand, the entire weight of the Bass is on the endpin and bottom block. In the cradle type stand, you have the top and back of each side holding it fairly equally. I don't think the Stands does any harm as many Basses in Shops are leaning against the wall or in a rack. Damage occurs when something has to move and can't so it just splits.

If the Bass is already damaged, then try not to make it worse in handling it.

Zachary Martin · #3 07-03-2006, 01:52 PM

As Ken said, it is unlikely that the stand caused the seam to open. It could have been caused by some humidity change. If i am understanding how you are looking at the bass, the opening was on the sound post side. When humidity/seasons change and the wood contracts, more pressure can result in this area causing the seam to pop. I'm not too familiar with the seasons out there but in new england this happens a lot. It could also be that the glue has just gotten old.

greitzer · #4 07-03-2006, 08:20 PM

Ken and Zachary, thanks to both of you for your responses. I will assume that it's not the stand. In any event, it's been repaired, and I will continue to be careful in handling, transporting, etc.