Big scare-Messina bag saved the day-careful w/ Bass buggie

bribass · #1 08-02-2010, 08:47 AM

I had a big scare w/ the Prescott yesterday.
I was loading my amp into my car. Left the bass standing for just a moment on it's own w/ the Bass Buggie which I've done before for very brief moments. W/ the endpin in & the wheels set right it can stand on it's own this way BUT I had it adjusted slightly differently after being on my other bass. As I put the speaker in the car I heard a sickening BONK! and the Prescott had FALLEN OVER on my driveway! Found it face down on the bridge.

Pulled it out of the bag and on a hasty (had to leave for a gig) close examination the only damage I could see was some checking and slight wood compressing on the scroll and the bridge had moved just slightly.

No cracks or other damage that I can see. The scroll seems to have taken most of the impact and it was already over varnished, repaired and worn from its 200 yrs so this new mark is hardly noticeable.

I put the bridge back on the grease pencil marks Arnold had put by the bridge feet and went to the gig. Seemed to play and sound as great as ever. What a relief!

BIG THANKS to Uncle Phil for selling me his Messina bag that didn't fit his AQ. It saved the day to say the least. DON'T LEAVE YOUR BASS STANDING W/ THE BASS BUGGIE NO MATTER WHAT THEIR INFO SAYS.

BG

Heifetzbass · #2 08-02-2010, 10:27 AM

Whoa!!! You are a lucky man! It only takes a split second...

Glad she's OK.

Brian

Jake deVilliers · #3 08-02-2010, 10:40 AM

You're very lucky Brian!

That's the kind of hit that often jars bass bars loose...

bribass · #4 08-02-2010, 03:50 PM

THNX, I guess I should put a mirror in there and check it out? What should I look for? Separation from the top I'd imagine.

Jake deVilliers · #5 08-02-2010, 06:37 PM

Yeah - you'd probably notice the string heights being lower if there was a separation - the top will sink a little with the reduced support, right?

Maybe bang on the bass bar ends with a padded drumstick or your knuckles and see if there is buzzing.

Report back...

Greg Clinkingbeard · #6 08-02-2010, 08:47 PM

Thanks for sharing this. The Messina bag is made from heavy cordura and lined with something that looks like mousepad foam. This works together with a snug fit to provide a lot of support and protection. You likely would have had damage with a lesser bag.
I do use the buggy for the occasional long carry but let is stand on its own.

Uncletoad · #7 08-03-2010, 02:25 AM

I hate that ****.

Kudos for dodging a bullet.

Will Yager · #8 08-03-2010, 06:38 AM

It's way too easy to get used to leaving it standing like that; I've had several close shaves myself. I love the buggy, but if it's the least bit windy or on a sloped surface it's gonna fall.

Jake deVilliers · #9 08-03-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Yager

It's way too easy to get used to leaving it standing like that; I've had several close shaves myself. I love the buggy, but if it's the least bit windy or on a sloped surface it's gonna fall.

Geez yeah, please lay the bass down - if the bass is on the ground it doesn't have as far to fall!

bribass · #10 08-03-2010, 11:20 AM

Yeah, I guess a little ground dirt on your case is better than a damaged bass any day.

Jake, I did a cursory knuckle rap on the top. No buzzes that I can detect, but I'm gonna get the mirror and flashlight out to be safe.

davidAaronCarte · #11 08-03-2010, 12:08 PM

Yikes
The only time I ever leave the my bass standing with the buggy is if I'm opening a door, and even then I've usually got a hand on/near it

Phil Rowan · #12 08-03-2010, 12:17 PM

Phew! Man, I'm really glad nothing serious happened. It would suck no matter what kind of bass (okay, maybe there are some exceptions out there), but especially with something like a Prescott. I don't care if there's no wind at all, if I had a bass buggie or used a fold-up cart to haul my bass around, I'd still lay it down just to be extra safe. Sometimes it's good to be paranoid.

Jake deVilliers · #13 08-03-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bribass

Yeah, I guess a little ground dirt on your case is better than a damaged bass any day.

Jake, I did a cursory knuckle rap on the top. No buzzes that I can detect, but I'm gonna get the mirror and flashlight out to be safe.

My fingers are crossed for you.

Square Bear · #14 08-03-2010, 09:26 PM

glad to hear there is no apparent damage. hope nothing turns up. i'm pretty sure you're in the clear given that you had no problems on the gig, but you should be thorough anyhow.

bribass · #15 08-04-2010, 11:29 AM

I don't have the best mirror & light for internal DB examination, but I did catch a glimpse of each end of the bass bar and they seem to be intact as far as I can tell. I'll have to take it to Arnold for a once over when he gets back from vacation.

I never know from playing it when the sound post is off 'cause this bass always seems to feel good to incredible no matter where the post is. My German bass is much more finicky that way. In fact years ago when I had the Prescott out on trial from the Kolstein shop it easily was the best feeling/sounding bass at the shop its price range at the time ('03, & Piz-wise it was better than basses that were priced at many thousands more), I brought it to Arnold for an eval. and he couldn't believe how 'off the mark' and ill-fitted the post was, w/ daylight on both ends. The bass still felt great... I AM a lucky guy

Jake deVilliers · #16 08-04-2010, 08:38 PM

Hey that's good to hear Bri - a lesson learned and all it cost you was a pair of soiled undershorts!