Top for 1/2 size plywood?

dobby · #1 11-23-2009, 11:37 AM

I removed the top from a 1/2 , Sticker inside says it's a "Harmony". Caved in pretty bad on the right side.
Im guessing the one's that built and sold instruments that you could buy from Western Auto and Sears and Roebuck in the 60's.
I cant find any info that say's they made a bass but Im sure it's Chinese. The neck looks like it was made from a 2X4 , it's so full of" Knots" that planing was almost impossible.
I hear that it's not easy to find and fit a 1/2 size top , may have to be cut down?

Just checking to see If anyone can help.

Thanks , Dobby.

Cody Sisk · #2 11-23-2009, 01:49 PM

can you post pics?

**Matthew Tucker** · #3 11-23-2009, 03:32 PM

I doubt if you'll be able to find a 1/2 size replacement ply top, and cutting down a bigger top, if you can find one, is not straightforward either.

Unless you want to get a new carved top made, which will be expensive, your best best would be to repair the existing caved-in top, depending on the condition. Take some pics of the existing top and show us.

forester · #4 11-23-2009, 04:07 PM

if you can't repair the existing top,i have a couple generic 1/2 ply tops.. maybe you can size one to fit,pm me if you are in the states.

wayne holmes · #5 11-23-2009, 07:43 PM

Any bass shop can order you one from a number of suppliers. It is not a problem to find one or to install one for a bass shop. Not so much a diy job unless you have the right tools, clamps, and knowledge of using hide glue.. the tops come rough and large- Engelhart doesn't sell a 1/2 size bass, but their 1/4 may be big enough in the rough to use. You would have to measure your bass and then call a bass luthier shop. Most of them come with a bassbar installed which is very nice.

**Matthew Tucker** · #6 11-23-2009, 08:12 PM

well, i didn't know you could buy replacement tops just like that. how do you specify the model? gamba? Violin? or is it one-size-fits-all and trim off the excess?

forester · #7 11-23-2009, 09:50 PM

i have finished tops and backs (most sizes) from instruments that for the most part... have departed. at present i am paneling the walls with them. (i also have a large collection of turtle shells)
the tops do differ in style,color,and condition and all are ply, from lower end models, they are suitable for retrofit. i am quite sure that some butchery would be in order to properly size, and the color is what it is. fwiw.
if you know of any turtles/tortises that are in need of a top or bottom plate i would be willing to help out there as well.

dobby · #8 11-24-2009, 05:33 AM

Thanks , Im in Savannah GA. And will take measurements .I do have photos and will try to post them later today.

Thanks again , Dobby Simmons.

dobby · #9 11-24-2009, 07:30 PM

Heres the measurements and a few pics. Taking measurements starting from the widest point of the top.
15 1/2 in
12 1/2 in
22 1/2 in

Length is 38 1/2 in

[IMG]http://i92.

wayne holmes · #10 11-25-2009, 12:16 AM

You're kidding -riot mate?

wayne holmes · #11 11-25-2009, 12:18 AM

Matthew--you're kidding --riot mate?

**Matthew Tucker** · #12 11-25-2009, 12:46 AM

About buying generic plywood replacement tops? no i honestly didn't know that. I certainly haven't had any call for one yet, down here. Perhaps because Kings/Kays and so on are not so common here. I have restored some plywood tops, but it's never been worth replacing one.

gbaker · #13 11-25-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forester

i have finished tops and backs (most sizes) from instruments that for the most part... have departed. at present i am paneling the walls with them. (i also have a large collection of turtle shells)
the tops do differ in style,color,and condition and all are ply, from lower end models, they are suitable for retrofit. i am quite sure that some butchery would be in order to properly size, and the color is what it is. fwiw.
if you know of any turtles/tortises that are in need of a top or bottom plate i would be willing to help out there as well.

What a deal.

Dobby, why don't you get some roll poster paper from the hobby store, trace your top on it and sent it to forester. See if he can match it up.

Luck.

forester · #14 11-25-2009, 03:23 PM

it is enroute.....it will be up to dobby

dobby · #15 11-25-2009, 07:22 PM

Thanks for the help everyone I apperciate it! Im going to do the newby intro soon so you can have an idea of who your trying to help. A friend of mine that loved boats so much once said "If I fell on the sidewalk and cracked my head open boats would fall out"
Bass's would fall out of mine Im sure. Not much room for anything else Thanks again.
And by the way *** is a riot mate?