Double Bass 1965 C1 issues

[jsf729]

I picked up a 1965 Kay C1 that spent it's life as a school bass. For the most part it is structurally sound but before I proceed to set up, there are a couple issues that are a concern. First, there is a 4"-5" crack in the back directly behind the sound post. It is somewhere between a hairline and 1mm. I'm concerned that when it comes under tension that it will spread. What would be the best glue for this repair? My understanding is that hide glue doesn't do well under tension, so CA or epoxy? Also, it looks as if some genius- when replacing the bridge (which is missing)- decided that it would be desirable to fit the top to the bridge by flattening it out and scraping the top flat underneath the feet (I smell guitar shop repair). Fortunately it looks as if a small portion of the top ply is all that's missing, but -again- concerned about possible problems when bringing things up to tension. I won't be using high tension strings on this instrument. Would some sort of reinforcement underneath be in order? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Pix are too small to be able to assist you with confidence.

 

[jsf729]

Pix are too small to be able to assist you with confidence.

Thanks for letting me know Jake. I've resized them best I could without losing too much detail.

 

[GretschWretch]

Since Kay C-1s are all ply, what you are describing as a crack in the back may be just a split in the top veneer. It may be the soundpost is a tad too long. Also, IIRC, Kay DBs have a soundpost patch installed in the inner back to prevent splits like this from happening. Has your bass got such a patch?

 

[jsf729]

Since Kay C-1s are all ply, what you are describing as a crack in the back may be just a split in the top veneer. It may be the soundpost is a tad too long. Also, IIRC, Kay DBs have a soundpost patch installed in the inner back to prevent splits like this from happening. Has your bass got such a patch?

Yes, it does have the patch that all Kays have. The soundpost is not installed although it came with it. I plan on fitting a new one. You're right, the split is in the top veneer. I am just concerned about it getting worse. Fortunately the back is not bulged. Thanks

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I don't see anything in those pix that would concern me. The top is missing some veneer because a little of the top stuck to the feet of the bridge and came away when it was removed. Is it on the bridge you have?

The crack is bothersome but if the sound post patch is whole its not so much a structural issue as a cosmetic one. When you try to manipulate the back, does the crack open and close?

 

[jsf729]

I don't see anything in those pix that would concern me. The top is missing some veneer because a little of the top stuck to the feet of the bridge and came away when it was removed. Is it on the bridge you have?

The crack is bothersome but if the sound post patch is whole its not so much a structural issue as a cosmetic one. When you try to manipulate the back, does the crack open and close?

Unfortunately it didn't come with the bridge Jake. But that certainly seems plausible. The sound post patch is whole. I did try to manipulate the crack and no, the crack doesn't open and close. Thanks

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Unfortunately it didn't come with the bridge Jake. But that certainly seems plausible. The sound post patch is whole. I did try to manipulate the crack and no, the crack doesn't open and close. Thanks

Its common to see that flattened area where the bridge feet reside - its a thin spruce outer ply on poplar inner plies and then somebody bonks the bridge once or twice or a hundred times!

I think you're going to have to set it up and see what happens. If the sound post patch is solid there shouldn't be any trouble with the crack. I've seen several Kays with that kind of sound post impact damage that work just fine. If it isn't, you'll need to replace or reinforce the patch.

 

[jsf729]

Its common to see that flattened area where the bridge feet reside - its a thin spruce outer ply on poplar inner plies and then somebody bonks the bridge once or twice or a hundred times!

I think you're going to have to set it up and see what happens. If the sound post patch is solid there shouldn't be any trouble with the crack. I've seen several Kays with that kind of sound post impact damage that work just fine. If it isn't, you'll need to replace or reinforce the patch.

Being a school bass all those years I suspect it was the latter! Sound patch is solid, so I'll proceed to setup. Thank-you Jake for taking the time and effort to advise me.