Temporary soundpost repair

phippsyg · #1 11-10-2007, 05:36 PM

Hi,
Does anyone have any tips for getting a soundpost in place temporarily. I am unable to get my bass to a luthier this week and have an audition. I just really need to be able to put it back to keep the instrument from damaging, am not even that fussed about correct placement etc, I just need to know some tips on getting it in there without a soundpost adjustment tool. I know this will make some people cringe but I have to do it today!!!

toman · #2 11-10-2007, 06:07 PM

As long as you take down the string tension, having the soundpost down isn't going to hurt anything.

phippsyg · #3 11-10-2007, 07:03 PM

I have an audition that I have to play for in the next couple of days so I can't take the string tension down, which is why I need to do a desperate repair. Someone I know mentioned using a coathanger to get it into place? Please let me know any other useful tips. Thanks.

toman · #4 11-10-2007, 10:43 PM

Surely you could borrow or rent a bass?

I'm not recommending it, but I guess you could put the post back up using a coathanger or something. I've used a BBQ spatula to adjust them before, so that might help.

I really think you're risking doing damage though; if you put it in the wrong place and crank up the tension, you could crack the top and a crack in that area is something you really don't want.

The only way I would say to attempt it is if the post had been in there a long time and you can clearly see where to put it.

**Matthew Tucker** · #5 11-10-2007, 11:32 PM

take string tension right off, fish post out of the bass, jab a sharp metal bbq skewer into the post (there'll be a hole already) and wedge it back in there.

no responsibility accepted for anything bad happening though ...

MT Spaces · #6 11-10-2007, 11:56 PM

Matthew, the mate asking the question is also from Sydney ... hows about you dash over and set the soundpost for him

. Maybe you can charge him rent on your BBQ poker. Surely if you can build a wonderful bass from scratch you can help the gent with a measley soundpost

.

**Matthew Tucker** · #7 11-11-2007, 03:04 AM

Ha! Didn't see that. Sent him a PM. cheers MT

phippsyg · #8 11-11-2007, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

take string tension right off, fish post out of the bass, jab a sharp metal bbq skewer into the post (there'll be a hole already) and wedge it back in there.

no responsibility accepted for anything bad happening though ...

Will have a go at this now and see how I go! Thanks for the offer of setting it in. If I get desperate I will contact you, your offer and help is greatly appreciated. Am really tight on time preparing for audition and am on the Central Coast so will see if I can do it myself first. Thanks for the help so far people, reminds me how great this site is.
Wish me luck.......

**Matthew Tucker** · #9 11-11-2007, 04:38 AM

Don't forget to remove the skewer afterwards

forester · #10 11-11-2007, 06:53 PM

might be a little late...remove tension, look in the bottom for a mark where it was located before. the puncture on the post (should face you) some however are pushed in from the far side so check the bevel. set the bottom...pull in the top ..tap,tap, tap to vert. up to down in to out.

phippsyg · #11 11-11-2007, 09:04 PM

Thanks for the help guys. Have put the soundpost back in. Used some skewers and tied some string to the top to pull it into place. Think I have put it a bit close to underneath the bridge but it should do the trick for now.