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Double Bass why not a detachable neck?

PB+J

PB+J

Mar 9, 2000
1,647
153
arlington va
#1
I've been wondering for a while now why this isn't more common. There's clearly a market for more portable versions of the double bass--various electric uprights, that shallow body bass Musician's friend sells, the check-ease bass--clearly there's a market for a double bass-like instrument that's easy to haul. They've never made sense to me because what I love about the double bass is the sound. That's why i put up with the inconvenience of it.

So why isn't a detachable neck more common? There's Patrick Charton's stunning "B-21" bass, but otherwise...

Imagine a well made, carved double bass with a detachable neck. Take the neck off and you could pack the entire bass in a case or bag just slightly bigger than the body, which in the case of a 3/4 isn't THAT big. And it's not like there'd be a huge technical challenge--just maybe a padded clamp to hold the soundpost in place (charton uses, i think, a giant rubber band) and a way to remove the tailpiece. Or, quick release locking mechanisms on the tuners. It's not rocket science

Sure, it probably would not sound as good as your traditionally constructed bass. But it would sound better, and more like the double bass, than the alternatives like the check-ease or an EUB. You'd get 95% or better of the experience and sound of a double bass, and way less hassles.

If I was a touring pro, which I'm not and will never be, I'd commission someone to build a double bass with a detachable neck. Nice little case, maybe with wheels....


Charton's B-21 Invalid Link Removed
 
#5
I had Peter Chandler build me a couple of basses with detachable necks. The first was a copy of a half-size french bass that was quite nice, but a bit small for me. The second, which I got only about a month ago in a trade for the first one, is a copy of my own German bass's top half with a smaller bottom half and a flat back. I had two cases built - one for the body and one for the neck and accessories, and it works quite well, and most of the time flies for free (although the body case is a bit oversized according to most airlines' measurements). The soundpost is held in by a slat of wood stretched across the top of the bass just above the bridge to which I attached a piece of velcro strapping that fastens at the back of the bass, exerting a good amount of pressure on the top of the bass so's to hold the soundpost in. It works very well and is very simple. I believe that at this point most of Peter's new basses have the detachable neck. He's really great for an 'amateur' builder, and I am quite happy with my bass as a travel instrument.

Look at Link Removed for a picture of the smaller bass.

There is also a luthier in Montreal, Mario Lamarre, who does this to older basses and most of his own.
 
#7
Yes - you need to check both cases. I don't know what it's like in the USA, but in Canada airlines have lowered the size and weight restrictions on checked baggage such that it's now impossible to fly with a double bass in a flight case, and even very difficult to fly with my detachable-neck bass in one case, thus the two-case solution. As Peter is an amateur (and a really nice guy), his basses are quite cheap as well.
 
#15
Jake deVilliers said:
And there are two luthiers in Victoria, BC making adjustable and/or removable necks.

James Ham: [email protected]

Brock Radelet: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I have never seen one myself.

Jake
Click to expand...

I have, and IIRC the adjustable neck is for playing adjustments, not dissassembly for travelling. (Jim prefers the system to bridge adjusters.) They're quite expensive instruments that seem to work best for classical soloists.

The new Canadian airline regs truly suck - officially, they just don't carry any luggage over 70 lbs anymore. I've always gotten away with it anyway by showing up really early and being extremely charming, but I don't travel nearly as much as Mojo probably does.
 
#16
the_other said:
I have, and IIRC the adjustable neck is for playing adjustments, not dissassembly for travelling. (Jim prefers the system to bridge adjusters.) They're quite expensive instruments that seem to work best for classical soloists.
Click to expand...

The Charnton bass is, however, intended for breakdown for travel.
PBJ - the last issue of the ISB magazine had a review of both the bass and Daniel Mariller's performance on it (with nothing but glowing praise for both). The strings have a clamp that attaches them to the neck, the soundpost is fixed in place and the bridge has holes which align with small posts on the top of the table in order to aid proper placement. It's pretty well thought out.
 
#17
bejoyous said:
Andrew Downing in Toronto and Dr Rod of the Thunder Bay Symphony both have Peter Chandler basses with the detachable neck option. Perhaps they'll reply with an opinion.
Click to expand...

speaking of toronto, is their any luthiers or shops that are contactable via e-mail, online etc? I have family there and it would be ideal if their was.
 
#18
bejoyous said:
Andrew Downing in Toronto and Dr Rod of the Thunder Bay Symphony both have Peter Chandler basses with the detachable neck option. Perhaps they'll reply with an opinion.
Click to expand...

Sorry I haven't been in this nook of Talkbass for a while, and it looks like Andrew already replied but I'm not sure if it's him(mojoziggy??).

I am very satisfied with the detachable neck, and the Chandler bass is hard to beat for the price.

I have the two case deal, one for the body, and one for the neck and bow case. There is a sort of a double calmp that keeps some pressure on the top and the soundpost does not fall during travel, in spite of the less-than-gentile treatment luggage usually gets.
I flew from London Ont. to Winnipeg on 2 small airplanes without a problem, and didn't have to pay for oversize or overweight (I was above the normal but the airline employee was kind), just like a normal person with two suitcases. First time that I fly with a bass without stress, arguments, and with a normal blood pressure.

It's hard to tell whether there is a loss in sound or quality because the bass was built originally with the detachable system, there is no way to compare. Mario Lamarre in Montreal claims that it doesn't affect the sound, he has done it to old instruments.

I will only have detachable necks from now on, even if I buy an old instrument.
 
#19
PB+J said:
That tobytimber bass has the right idea, but the implementation is pretty ugly.
Click to expand...
Yes, not one to win any medals with, I agree. But nevertheless a happy customer and a working proto-type.
I have made my latest bass with removable neck, pictures below if you're interested.
As you can see, the button remains part of the back and the lower bit of the heel gives the neck a solid rest when putting it in.
 

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