Recent content by warx

Another observation. For notes on the D and G (and higher) there’s more perceived volume with the 4” round access hole open. I don’t know if this is sound leaving through it or if it’s like a ported cab lowering the tuned frequency. I was going to skip this door next build (and set the sound...

here’s me plonking around on both my basses to compare the volume. They are close perceived loudness wise but obviously the “guitar” version is missing that deep fundamental Boy it’s tough switching from 41.5” scale to 34”. THAT is why I opted for lines on the fretless.

When I was looking to build something acoustic low and loud I considered the Tinozza, Rigel Acoustic Bass guitar, Guitarron, and the original “boatback” Lamont. I think Pete’s Rigel does a good job ergonomically getting the air and sound volume up there. Also, with a tail piece (strings not...

Re the cable tailpiece; I am reworking this. I’ve seen cable versions for DB and some add weights or decorative wood. This is just a prototype at the moment. I need a 38” E (well low D) string that will have two extension gates on it so was very limited by string choice and puts the ball end...

The reason I posted in DB forum was that I was asking specifically about DB back plates - not guitar back plates. I was hoping it would find a DB audience to provide input. This is 34” scale, fretless (with markers), Thomastik Jazz Flats (way cheaper than 1/4 size spirocores!). It is a design...

So I’m feeling like the next build without the secondary board inside will do just fine. Maybe there’s some sound change if the players belly or leg rests firmly against the middle (this is still technically a guitar although its 31” x 25” x 9” in size). I think given the instruments size it is...

Well I’ve been chatting with Pete a lot and he has given me a lot of information so it’s as close as I could get it. Only real differences are I used Sitka spruce (laminated) for the top instead of poplar and did an access door and bolt on neck to prototype some setup things. I also did a...

What is interesting is that I’ve tried to see the effect on sustain and tone when your body touches the back of the bass. It is surprising to me how little effect it has. The back is, as you say, vibrating about as much as the top plate. More interesting is that with my very large acoustic...

I understand all parts work together. I am wondering how the back works. Does it resonate actively at the fundamental or a tuned higher (commonly major third) or simply re-enforce through reflection and stiffly support the sides such that energy is not lost from the top plate. I’ve not seen...

In a double bass is the back plate considered live or dead? Does the sound post and its position change this? Does it still apply if the back is laminated? I know live back vs dead back is more of ac acoustic guitar term but curious if the back plate in a DB is purely reflective and supports...

My fretless neck is done. Reworking my cable tailpiece at the moment. Also working on a kubicki-like gate so I can switch from open E to open D extension.

My next builds will use a showier outer veneer for the back and sides. I have some maple and figured mahogany veneer (0.6mm or 1/42) and this will be laminated to two layers of poplar for different thickness.

It’s tapered from about 5” bass (top) side to 9” bottom so average of 7”. Pete designed it to be played like a guitar - just angled out at the lower edge for air volume. It has a single spruce bass bar and sound post. The secondary (false back) soundboard has an X brace centered on where the...

Back at it. Finished the body and the neck just needs radius in before bolting on. First neck is 34” fretless with a low D extension fourth string (kubicki style). Pic shows size against my 7/8 Shen. I would guess it is close to 1/2 size.

From my banjo rim steam bending (and the many failures) wood can only expand by 1.5 to 2% before it breaks. It can compress up to 30%. I suppose we’re not even close to 2% with a simple string tension loading on a neck but the modulus of expansion is still twice the compression modulus. But of...