Double Bass Back Bracing on round back laminate

[Matt Ides]

Hi. I played a pretty nice ply bass the other day. One thing I hadn't seen before is the bass had a back brace (like a flat back) just one through the middle of the back where the sound post meets the back. It looks like it is original to the bass since it didn't look like the top or back have been off.

Just wanted to see if this is common at all and the purpose of the brace?

Thanks.

 

[powerbass]

my Thompson RM200 has a rounded back and brace

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Shen does the same thing. I was told it is intended to increase projection.

 

[Matt Ides]

Thanks. You learn something new everyday.

 

[Mike Goodbar]

My Christopher hybrid has that as well, and I heard the same thing about increased projection as well. I don't know how true that is, but it must make setting the soundpost easier!

 

[moles]

Same here with my Eastman hybrid....I'd say its got plenty of projection, if not as much low end as it might have without the brace. That's really just a guess though.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Try stringing it with Flexocor Starks. That E is a goddamned Clydesdale.

 

[moles]

Well it's plenty loud with the Evah weichs out has on now. Took a couple of experiments in the string department to get there though. The soundpost moved a touch south helped a bit more...and I really am trying to quit comparing it to my monster Strunal ply