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Double Bass Ahh! Top Crack near soundpost!

Kam

Kam

Feb 12, 2006
308
1
Minneapolis, MN
www.markworthmusic.com
#1
I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when i start to hear a strange woody sound coming from my bass that sits directly behind me. I pause iTunes just in time to hear an awful snap sound and my G string vibrate a little.

After inspecting my bass I found a crack starting to open up vertically, in line with the bridge's treble foot and the soundpost! It runs from the foot to about six inches from the bottom of the top, with the width being probably a little less than half a mm..

I'm obviously taking this in to my luthier tomorrow morning, but my question is, should loosen my strings? Let my soundpost drop? I'm worried that the tension will make the crack open up more, but maybe it's doing the opposite? Please help!
 
#3
Given the time of year and your location, I'm guessing you have your heating on and low humidity. I'm not qualified to give you any advice on how to protect your bass. But you may need to look into how to regulate the humidity in your house. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Jim
 
#4
jsbarber said:
Given the time of year and your location, I'm guessing you have your heating on and low humidity. I'm not qualified to give you any advice on how to protect your bass. But you may need to look into how to regulate the humidity in your house. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Jim
Click to expand...

Yeah, definetely agree with you there. I've been trying to do all I can, but I'm in a small 1 bedroom apartment (radiator heating) with no control over the climate other than a humidifier and a dehumidifier..which I try to use to balance things, but there have been some serious weather and pressure changes here in the past 3 days. :eyebrow:

Here's a picture, I'm suprised you can see the crack so well on the right side, it's not that easy to see with the naked eye from this distance...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

As you can see, the bass has been through quite alot of past damage. I think this is an old crack that has reopened.
 
#5
Get it closed and quickly. This is not the time of the year to have one of those cracks sit around, nor is anytime of the year.

Mr. Laszlo always has use the old trick of putting scotch tape over the crack for a very very short term basis until you bring it in so it doesn't spread. PLEASE DON'T use any tape that will damage the varnish or leave a residue, regular scotch tape seems to have enough hold without leaving anything behind.
 
#8
Sorry about this man. I live in Colorado and have used 4 dampits since they were invented- I believe in them even though many don't.
Now, If I were you, I'd determine if the cost of what looks like a substantial repair bill is worth it- don't let some Xxx charge you $2000. I hope you don't count on your bass to make a living.
Good luck anyhoo.
 
#9
I took it in, they're going to call with an estimate...they weren't completely convinced that the top needed to come off.

I did loosen the strings quite a bit, but didn't let the soundpost fall. The owner of the shop determined the crack wasn't right at the point where the soundpost was, but still, I'm sure it's a factor.

Luckily I tested the scotch tape first, and yeah, it definetely lifted a bit of finish so I didn't go through with that.
 

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