Double Bass "Belly Rest/Body Brace" Options for current EUB build?

[Nate74]

First, a big thanks to everyone who's chimed in on my last few posts about my current EUB build. I hope to have some pix of my progress which I'll be able to post shortly.

The final design element I need to address is the "belly rest/body brace." On my BSX Allegro, it's a 4" long tube with a concave piece of metal at one end that is about 4"x2" that rests against my belly while I play it... so I've just taken to calling it the "belly rest" but I've also seen it called a body brace as well.

My first EUB build mounts to a cymbal stand with a Tom-Tom mount so I didn't need to address this issue but am now pondering what others have done on your free standing EUB builds?

I've seen several that appear to be bent metal and some that are wooden dowels with various shapes attached that will contact my belly.

OR

If anybody would care to share pix of what they opted for and the reasons behind their choice, I would be most appreciative.

Cheers and thanks in advance!

 

[Ross Kratter]

Take a look at what Gary Bartig uses on the Eminence bass.
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[Nate74]

Take a look at what Gary Bartig uses on the Eminence bass.
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Cool! That would be fairly easy to make. It looks like there's a recessed thread in the body and dowel screws into that. I like that idea since there wouldn't be something protruding out of the body when the bar isn't attached. Thanks for that.

 

[Passinwind]

If anybody would care to share pix of what they opted for and the reasons behind their choice, I would be most appreciative.

Here's the way Dino did it on the older BSX Model 2000:

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I like it a little better than the Allegro arrangement, as I can "dance" with the bass a little more comfortably, I think. It does feel and look a little flimsy though, and I've been contemplating doing one in carbon fiber for some time.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Cool! That would be fairly easy to make. It looks like there's a recessed thread in the body and dowel screws into that. I like that idea since there wouldn't be something protruding out of the body when the bar isn't attached. Thanks for that.

It actually doesn't even screw in, just fits into the hole. Both are conically shaped so one just fits into the other.

 

[Stephen05301]

Zeta bass side rest. Originally came with a plexiglass plate which I had converted to maple.

 

[Nate74]

Stephen, this project has been on hold a few weeks and am just now getting back to this thread. That's a really cool design. Thanks.

 

[MARCOvdBoogert]

Zeta bass side rest. Originally came with a plexiglass plate which I had converted to maple.

I really like the left shape. Is it possible to trace the shape and post a pic?

 

[hoytbasses]

here's what I do: 3/4" dowel with a hand-carved maple (or other wood, depending on the build)


The hole in the bass body is tapered as is the body so it locks in with a bit of a twist.

The design not only puts you in the right playing position, but it helps to keep the body from rotating.

lots of ways to skin the cat, but this is how I skin mine

kfh

p.s...... I know that some of you will be asking: the wood on that instrument is spalted curly birch. I found it in a little sawmill in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Cherry core with the birch front and back.

 

[Jack Clark]

Well, I just recently build a TPUG (Travel Practice Upright Guitarrón) and, after trying various endpins, I opted for a T-Bar endpin that resists skidding, walking away, and twisting—especially since I play sitting and can rest a foot (or both feet) on the T-Bar. Very solid when I do that.

Instead of a belly brace or a stand of some kind, I added a rotatable cross piece that sits on my thighs and bears the weight of the instrument. It also acts as a fulcrum, with the endpin (with my foot or feet on it) keeping the instrument balanced upright in position. This way my left hand does not hold the instrument up at all, and I am free to simply press down on the strings without having to squeeze with my left thumb.

Also, I soon will add a pickup and begin referring to my TPUG as an EUG, instead.