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Double Bass Bass bumpers

#43
Yeah, I was thinking of gluing/screwing slivers of UHMW to leather or rubber, then using contact cement (Lokweld) to attach that to the bass. Probably more trouble that it's worth considering the fan belt idea is probably the most time and cost-effective.

I suppose one could notch the side of the bumpers so they fit partly on the rib, partly on the edge of the top/back? That would alleviate crack-producing stress on the ribs; would it be safe for the top?
 
#44
blue flame said:
Yeah, I was thinking of gluing/screwing slivers of UHMW to leather or rubber, then using contact cement (Lokweld) to attach that to the bass. Probably more trouble that it's worth considering the fan belt idea is probably the most time and cost-effective.

I suppose one could notch the side of the bumpers so they fit partly on the rib, partly on the edge of the top/back? That would alleviate crack-producing stress on the ribs; would it be safe for the top?
Click to expand...

Alot of this depends on if you have outside linings on your bass. The fan belt bumpers are perfect when glued right on top of the outside linings.
If you don't have outside linings, and depending on how much the top extends beyond the ribs, you may have to get a bigger fan belt in terms of width....or you can beef up a regular belt with more rubber.
blue flames idea of notching the bumper so that part of it lays over the edge of the top scares me a little because of the soft wood of the top, although the rubber makes such a nice shock absorber, maybe it would be cool.
 
#45
Paul Warburton said:
The fan belt bumpers are perfect when glued right on top of the outside linings.
Click to expand...

I realize this is an old thread but I'm new to the list and just getting around to reading many of the old posts.

I was wondering if double stick tape would be good for this? It might be better for the finish than glue (or it might not).

Fred
 
#46
Most double-sided tapes contain chemicals which might damage a finish. If you'd like a safer (but not guaranteed) product, I'd recommend an archival-grade gum 'tape' such as 3M's, used in matting artwork. It's sold in various widths, and has a brown paper backing which is peeled away leaving just a thin gum layer. No solvent or other nastiness... but it may not be strong enough to keep bumpers on through things like getting the bass in and out of a bag.
 
#48
I have followed Paul Warburton's suggestion and taken a fan belt cut in to "bumper" sized slices, but instead of using hide glue, which gave me trouble with adhesion, I used a double sided 3M tape called "Tiger Tape" with no apparent effect to the finish. I tried it on a junk piece of finished maple just to test it.
 
#49
Has anyone here ever specified that bumpers be installed as an OEM option?
(hmmm.. those yummy '57 Caddy bumpers come to mind..)
Why I ask is that I have just ordered a LaScala that will soon be my new road-buddy, and given the usual "venue variabilities" I think that I should have an option to a scroll-meets-floor-velocity-magnifying-stand...
 
#50
mburd said:
Has anyone here ever specified that bumpers be installed as an OEM option?
(hmmm.. those yummy '57 Caddy bumpers come to mind..)
Why I ask is that I have just ordered a LaScala that will soon be my new road-buddy, and given the usual "venue variabilities" I think that I should have an option to a scroll-meets-floor-velocity-magnifying-stand...
Click to expand...

OEM options for most Pro Bassists is impossible. First off, most don't buy new Basses and second most have Basses made before they or their grandparents were even born.

If you do need bumpers on any good type of Bass, make them from wood, use hide glue and Varnish over them. Do it right or don't bother at all. A do-it-yourself job will easily detract from the value of your Bass down the road. I have never in my life used bumpers. Also, I don't drag my Bass across the floor. I usually lean it on a chair resting on the C-bouts or gently on it's side.
 
#51
It sounds funny, but the gentleman I bought my LaScala from - Tber "CB3000" - had already installed soft brown rubber bumpers on the left side of the bass. I assume they were put on with some sort of double sided adhesive. They are actually a godsend, as the rubber is nearly the same color as the finish, and the softness of the bumpers cushions the shock of the bass being laid down on any surface. MacGyver indeed!
 
#52
It seems like a great idea to me--I'm always laying the bass down however and wherever I can find a secure space on gigs, and sometimes that's the floor, on its side. It comes out of the bag, standing up, and then lays down on its side while I adjust the endpin. It just makes sense--as long as you use an adhesive that releases easily. The contact cement idea seems good. Fortunately I'm a semi-pro, don't want to be a pro, and don't have a bass older than my late grandfather.
 
#54
I use 1/2" clear furniture discs something like Link Removed. It was about three bucks for a pack of twelve at the hardware store.

If you have external linings one disc per point should be fine. My bass doesn't so I needed to stack two to make the disc tall enough to get over the edge. The discs stick fine to the bass but not as well to each other. I used Goo Gone to get the adhesive off of four of the discs and Super-Glued them to four other discs. The regular adhesive sticks the stack to the bass. It doesn't harm the finish; it is removable; it is stable. It doesn't even look funny.

If you're fussy you could put them on the bass side so the audience doesn't see them when you play.

Oh yeah -- I tried PW's fan-belt method but I just couldn't get them to stick without using glues I wanted to avoid.

Practice, you!
 
#55
I recently got a new hybrid and wanted to look into putting on bumpers. As a quick fix until I had time to research it, I got some automotive vacuum hose, slit it down the middle, trimmed it to the length I wanted, and stuck it on the edges of the front and back tables with double-sided poster tape. I have no idea what size the hose is, but it's small enough that it grips to the edges without the tape, although the tape has been helpful in keeping it in place. The finish of my bass is dark enough that the hose doesn't stick out much. It has worked well enough that I have just left it in place for now. However, I have noticed that you can get belts for lawnmower tractors that are brown and very sturdy, much more than auto fan belts. They would make great bumpers, although I'm a little apprehensive about doing any gluing without the skill of a luthier; they seem too stiff to be held in place by tape.
 
#56
uptonbass said:
Rubber on the side of a bass......I can't think of any clients that would let me do that.

With all due respect, almost everyone I know uses pieces of fan belt. If you want, you can actually trim and shape the material on a grinding wheel and you can paint it to a gloss black if you wish...and its the best darned bumper in the world. Its a great cushioning device.
Click to expand...
 
#57
STRONGBOW said:
With all due respect, almost everyone I know uses pieces of fan belt. If you want, you can actually trim and shape the material on a grinding wheel and you can paint it to a gloss black if you wish...and its the best darned bumper in the world. Its a great cushioning device.
Click to expand...

What do you use for an adhesive that doesn't damage the finish?
 
#58
Freddels said:
What do you use for an adhesive that doesn't damage the finish?
Click to expand...

I've been using hide glue on fan-belts with no adhesion problems what so ever. You can paint them matte-black so they look like ebony. The rubber absorbs the slight shock when you lay your axe down. I put 'em on the G string side of the bass.....I find that mounting them on the players side messes up your clothes. Also hurts your tummy.
 

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