Double Bass BSX Megathread

[stefaniw80401]

Which model of MK? They look beautiful. Post picture of your broken neck. How does it sound?

My BSX Allegro is a great instrument, but sounds more in the realm of fretless slab than double bass. But it feels and plays pizz and arco just like my DB.

 

[stefaniw80401]

Nevermind, I answered my own question about the MK sound by watching the videos on their site. The MK bass sounds really good, natural. Close your eyes and you'll be fooled that your not hearing an acoustic DB.

 

[Andrew Maine]

 

[Andrew Maine]

Pretty darn broken! If the BSX sounds closer to a fretless bass guitar then I may still go for the repair. I really do love my MK but seeing as BSX for sale recently made me want to explore other options

 

[bassically_eli]

I would definitely at least check with local luthiers. I'm no expert, but that looks like a pretty standard neck break and repair to me.

 

[Francois Blais]

I would definitely at least check with local luthiers. I'm no expert, but that looks like a pretty standard neck break and repair to me.

My opinion as well.
Should be relatively easy to fix by a qualified luthier.

 

[stefaniw80401]

It's hard to tell -- trouble I see with that break is it looks like that neck is specially constructed with some sort of lamination? How does MK deal with a break like that? Replace the neck? Oh wait -- you said in your OG post that's what they do. I'm sure you can find some lower cost shipping. Does it already have a decent travel case?

 

[Andrew Maine]

Yes, Mirko (aka MK basses) says a repair would be a temporary fix and so a new neck is required. I think you’re right about the laminate. He’s also offering a fingerboard upgrade.

 

[stefaniw80401]

Looks like a 14hr drive from London. Not terrible, considering it's a 21hr drive from Denver, Colorado to Richmond, Virginia for me to see my mother.

If you have train service, that could make your trip more bearable?

Good luck! Let us know how you get on. Oh and check this MK mega thread out.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/mk-eub-megathread.1552247/

 

[bassically_eli]

Did you consider asking them to ship you the new neck (with the fingerboard too, I guess) and having it installed locally? Seems like that should save you a lot on shipping (just the neck going one way instead of the entire bass going both ways).

 

[Andrew Maine]

Hmm that’s a thought. Unfortunately the local options aren’t ideal. I had a bad experience with one luthier when I asked them to cut a new adjustable bridge for me, so that I could then replace the adjuster wheels with a Full Circle. Got it back and although the bridge shape was good, he’d glued the wheels in place at each one’s base!

 

[Francois Blais]

My god!
He didn't even understand the functioning of adjusters?

 

[Andrew Maine]

He did not. It wasn’t adjustable.

 

[bobsax]

Do they still make them? I’m wondering about the strings on mine. They’re really old but really haven’t been played that much… The green and yellow ones ? Wondering if I can put them on my David Gage Czeckez bass ?

 

[bobsax]

Make sure they are 3/4 or 4/4 strings. The ones that come with the BSX Allegro are 1/2 sized strings.

Oh, so this means BSX Allegro strings will not be long enough ?
They seem the same length
View attachment 5376726

 

[bobsax]

 

[stefaniw80401]

Use your tape measure. That will tell you if you can swap the strings.

 

[bobsax]

Use your tape measure. That will tell you if you can swap the strings.

47 inches from the nut to the attachment hole for both of them but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of

extra string in the winding with the BSX

 

[John Chambliss]

I suspect they are the original 1/2 sized strings that are not really meant for a 3/4 sized bass. I wouldn’t use them on either bass regardless if they are long enough because of the extra tension with the 1/2 strings.

Edit: The strings on the BSX Allegro are 1/2 sized D'Addario Helicore Hybrids.

 

[John Chambliss]

I prefer Solo strings tuned down to orchestra pitch on my BSX Allegro - currently using Perpetuals, but Spirocores are nice as well.