Double Bass Bass Back now in two pieces

[Doug D]

I'm repairing some back cracks on my carved 3/4 bass and the back center seem has become unglued/seperated. the bass back is now in two separate pieces (the back is off of the bass btw)

i need to join the 2 back halves together...what are my options for this?

i've seen folks use the PVC pipe rings with glued blocks - method, as well as specialty clamps, etc.

I had considered placing it on my bench between blocks/fixtures with tapping wedges or cams for inward pressure and weights on the top of the arch for downward pressure/to keep it from lifting...

 

[powerbass]

the wedge idea will work well. does the joint come back together tightly w/hand pressure? you can't force the joint straight and expect It to stay glued

 

[Doug D]

right....
it does close cleanly.

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

You will need some method of keeping the two pieces flush with each other as well as squeezing them together. On a scale of 1-10, this is about an 8!

 

[powerbass]

Good point Arnold. one way would be to glue small wooden cleats on he inside that span the joint by about 3/8". on the outside use double stick tape so you don't damage the finish.

 

[james condino]

There are a number of effective ways that you could get this task accomplished with good results. It is not the hardest job I can think of, but a 44" seam on anything requires a bit of skill and a whole lot of confidence to tackle. I've attempted it with some very complicated jigs and systems that ate up a lot of time setting up and had miserable results; I've also used some simple stone age technology that ended up with great results. Having it off the body already is a huge plus.

It looks like you are listed as being in the southeast. Maybee it would be a good idea to visit another bass dork in the southeast who has done this repair a few times....and maybee bring along a little extra eggnogg for the holiday spirit...

j.
www.condino.com
www.kaybassrepair.com

 

[Doug D]

all great advice! thanks!

as a background, I am a luthier - I just generally work (and build) fretted acoustic instruments. however, I've rebuilt this particular bass as well as my cello (my personal instruments) in the past from a crushed top, belly patch, replaned the fingerboard, etc. So I don't have any reservations about working on it.... just wanted to get feedback on the approach. i.e. not reinventing the wheel.

James...I love your comparison on techniques vs. results. I can def relate to that!