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Double Bass Building an Upright, need Dimensions
- Thread starter UprightCowboy
- Start date
Hi TroyK, I'll look at that part of the forum, as I'm sure there will be great advice there.
Rest assure I will be taking every thing into consideration, I was asking for measurements as a thought to what it was going to take wood/Material wise, in preparing of cost only. I built houses for years, the best laid plans. knowing how to Read a blue print doesn't make the Architect right. and as I stated earlier I'll give a visit to a couple Bass Luthiers.
UprightCowboy
Rest assure I will be taking every thing into consideration, I was asking for measurements as a thought to what it was going to take wood/Material wise, in preparing of cost only. I built houses for years, the best laid plans. knowing how to Read a blue print doesn't make the Architect right. and as I stated earlier I'll give a visit to a couple Bass Luthiers.
UprightCowboy
The thing with upright basses is that their so unique that just about every bass will be drastically different. If I was making a bass I would either make a complete copy of a current bass with different wood or make it unique. I have always liked those basses that are guitar shaped and don't have any corners, I would thinnk they would be an easier build for a beginner.
Anyways, sounds like a fasinating project. Not enough people try this stuff on upright. Good Luck!
Anyways, sounds like a fasinating project. Not enough people try this stuff on upright. Good Luck!
We get a couple a year. I don't recall any of them having any experience owning/playing/living with a double bass prior to deciding to build one. I'm not sure that I've ever seen one of these threads conclude with a bass being built and used and photos and sound shared with us of it's first year in action, but maybe I missed one.
It would be interesting to see come to fruition, win, lose or draw.
UprightCowboy said:
Advice. I am not a luthier but I am quickly learning to have respect for the trade. Crazy enough to attempt it myself.
I think I saw where some provided you a link to the book "So... You want to make a Double Bass" and plans, take advantage and be meditate on the title. There is deep meaning in it. Next you will need time. If you already have full-time job, this will be your second one. You will need patients and be detailed oriented. Granted you are not building a table which requires more exact measurements, but does requires care in certain areas. Read the book referenced for more detail. If you are hoping to build a db to save money, you may not, unless you have an understanding of both the economy of raw materials and time. Finally, the first thing you consider is having a dedicated space and invest in the right tools. There are no kits that I know of, so just buying stuff to slap together is not an option for you.
First Chris, Thanks for your post, and I think you are right in that anything hand crafted is going to have its own sound(uniqueness) As I stated before, I intend to do a lot of research hence forth is why I'm here. Woods age, how its gone through its process moisture or lack of among many other conditions. As for shape, I like the traditional shape, as for woods, I'm not totally exotic , but when people see it they'll know who it belongs to without question.
Drerio:To me a book, and plans are a must have, along with what I've said about visiting shops, I also have very knowledgeable repair people in my area that I have know for some time, that I can pick their brain enough to get through things, there is also the whole world of Internet, as I'm plugging like minded forums. I've built houses, custom water beds and furniture in my past as well as Joining guitar tops and backs, bending side for them as well as Mandolins as well as building wood/canvas canoes and the jig form.
To try and build something of any scale let alone an Upright Bass without the proper setup and or room would/could be a setup for failure. I appreciate help, But as I stated in the Original post I'm here looking for Measurements, and where to buy components.
Don't assume, I'm thankful for information,where to look or buy, leave the rest to me, as I said if you read my posts, I'm 52. I'm not trying, or meaning to be sarcastic as thats not me, I just don't want to go on and on about the obvious. I have a shop, and like most folks with a new project there will be things I need to get.
Drerio:To me a book, and plans are a must have, along with what I've said about visiting shops, I also have very knowledgeable repair people in my area that I have know for some time, that I can pick their brain enough to get through things, there is also the whole world of Internet, as I'm plugging like minded forums. I've built houses, custom water beds and furniture in my past as well as Joining guitar tops and backs, bending side for them as well as Mandolins as well as building wood/canvas canoes and the jig form.
To try and build something of any scale let alone an Upright Bass without the proper setup and or room would/could be a setup for failure. I appreciate help, But as I stated in the Original post I'm here looking for Measurements, and where to buy components.
Don't assume, I'm thankful for information,where to look or buy, leave the rest to me, as I said if you read my posts, I'm 52. I'm not trying, or meaning to be sarcastic as thats not me, I just don't want to go on and on about the obvious. I have a shop, and like most folks with a new project there will be things I need to get.
Thanks for the suggestion to go to the Setup/repair forum, there is a TON of info there, that is giving me great insight, much appreciated TroyK
UprightCowboy
UprightCowboy
I understand... you sound a lot more prepared than myself. Currently my project is in storage as my fulltime job demands more of my time and I don't have storage of a half finished project. I think you will find parts a lot easier to attain (most local shops would have that), however the wood is another issue. Most luthiers are very protective about their sources. I think you will find this as your greatest challenge. The plans sold (separately) to the "So... you want to make a double bass" will answer all of your basic dimension questions. There are nine choices of designs... my preference was the Invalid Link Removed, but go check them out. Very helpful. As an experience carpenter, you have an advantage. Please keep us informed about progress... please don't just send pictures of finished project, I really want to see progress, it may help me out a lot.
Drerio thanks for understanding, as I said, I'm not trying to come across harsh, I just wanted some feedback of measurements as I don't have the Bass I bought yet here at the house, and as you and others have stated there are different designs..
Your right about other Luthier sharing their wood sources, but I have some good connections in that department as well, some of the Luthier in our area I've known for years and because I'm doing something that no one else does and for myself, they don't feel threaten. I'm trying to learn more on tonal wood properties as to which I'll use, along with a finish, I'm not a great believer of smothering wood and leaning to a French finish, like old Violin builders used, but again something i need to research further to be sure of, I know wood has to breath and I feel like that is some what constricted with todays coatings/urethanes used. so we'll see.
I will post a play by play, as I feel this is a place that folks are interested in learning these steps, as I will be learning. I'll also post my mistakes, "Don't Do That" lol and pictures of setups, jigs and the process.
UprightCowboy
Your right about other Luthier sharing their wood sources, but I have some good connections in that department as well, some of the Luthier in our area I've known for years and because I'm doing something that no one else does and for myself, they don't feel threaten. I'm trying to learn more on tonal wood properties as to which I'll use, along with a finish, I'm not a great believer of smothering wood and leaning to a French finish, like old Violin builders used, but again something i need to research further to be sure of, I know wood has to breath and I feel like that is some what constricted with todays coatings/urethanes used. so we'll see.
I will post a play by play, as I feel this is a place that folks are interested in learning these steps, as I will be learning. I'll also post my mistakes, "Don't Do That" lol and pictures of setups, jigs and the process.
UprightCowboy
Hey UprightCowboy, have you considered using wood from pallets? It would be free, dry, readily available and unique.
How many can you recall ever being completed? I can only think of two, but surely I've missed some. UprightCowboy, how do you rate the odds as a percentage that this project will come to fruition?
Am I understanding this correctly: you bought a bass to dismantle and study? That seems wise.
What is with this posting? "That is a copyrighted photo of me you stole from my website. The joke is over funny man. Change it now before I threaten legal action to Paul at TB and yourself... the Dogs are off the leash."
To Roger Davis, Never cross my mind to use such material, and to who ever posted if I bought a bass to dismantle, no I did not, but a great Idea, if anyone has a broken one, I'll gladly pay the shipping to get it here.
And Then to TroyK, As I said I came to this forum for information, not to see who does and does not get things done, or what the odds are, hell if i knew odds I'd bet the ponies and buy a $10000.00 Bass, Don't touch that dial "To Be Concluded, really guys give the folks the feedback their asking for, it helps in the process of completion much quicker than me having to read and respond to such babble.
UprightCowboy
To Roger Davis, Never cross my mind to use such material, and to who ever posted if I bought a bass to dismantle, no I did not, but a great Idea, if anyone has a broken one, I'll gladly pay the shipping to get it here.
And Then to TroyK, As I said I came to this forum for information, not to see who does and does not get things done, or what the odds are, hell if i knew odds I'd bet the ponies and buy a $10000.00 Bass, Don't touch that dial "To Be Concluded, really guys give the folks the feedback their asking for, it helps in the process of completion much quicker than me having to read and respond to such babble.
UprightCowboy
On the other hand, you came to us for free information. We don't work for you and are under no obligation to help. You're a few years my senior, but I've been very active on this forum for a good 8 years longer than you. You signed up this month and haven't contributed anything yet, so it's not really sitting well to be told how to behave. TBDB works quite well for me, thank you. That's why I spend so much time here and chose to support it financially every year, which I see you are not doing. Just asking, taking and scolding as you go. It may work out for you too or you may find that people aren't as generous with you as they can be when you approach them with a little more respect.
Good luck, I'm choosing "ignore" for the remainder of your journey.
OK everybody, I did not mean to get everyones panties in a bunch. I'm just asking to keep things simple, if one feels the need to post the do-nots I was merely asking for ya not too.
Saying it as nicely as my first couple of postings.
Drerio and I cleared that air as the postings in the begging of this thread, I politely asked that folks not do this.
UprightCowboy
Saying it as nicely as my first couple of postings.
Drerio and I cleared that air as the postings in the begging of this thread, I politely asked that folks not do this.
UprightCowboy
I am loving the drama on this sight. Very addictive. Anyways, "project" basses come up on ebay from time to time and could be ideal for your situation. Your probobly looking at a few hundred bucks but most of them have an endpin and a tail piece that you can use for parts. You can also use it as a copy and if your not to experienced with scroll carving you can just graph it onto the neck or just use the whole neck. Come to think of it, you can also get a couple hundred dollars in tuners out of them. It sounds like a win win to me! I know there was one that sold last week with seriouse back damage (the back was in pieces off of the bass) but everything else was structurally fine. It soold for a couple hundred bucks but included an endpin, a taipiece, a new bridge, 4 tuners, a good neck, a fingerboard and a sounpost that could all be used for parts. Come to think of it, it also came with a bag and bow which run about $300 to put the completed bass in. Just something to think about. Subscribed, I am really looking forward to this build!
Hey Chris1125, some folks live for the BS I reckon, I'm just not into playing games,I stated in the beginning that I did not want to start a war.
ebay, great information all stuff which I could use, and gain information from. Like you said also use for patterns, measure thickness etc.
I'm not going anywhere and you'll see the updates, I'm not or have I stated this is going to be done by any time frame. Rome was not built in a day.
Thanks for the info.
UprightCowboy
ebay, great information all stuff which I could use, and gain information from. Like you said also use for patterns, measure thickness etc.
I'm not going anywhere and you'll see the updates, I'm not or have I stated this is going to be done by any time frame. Rome was not built in a day.
Thanks for the info.
UprightCowboy
A few years ago Bass kept us all entertained with his photoshop skills. A well-known Invalid Link Removedwho left TB under somewhat of a cloud didn't care much for it when Bass had some fun with his image. That led to that message.
Don't get too overwrought at the tone of some of these replies. Two or three times a year someone (usually a 15-year-old) posts a few questions about building a bass. They usually become quite defensive when folks point out the challenges involved or errors in thinking. Some of the threads are pretty entertaining but seldom result in a completed instrument. However, those who have followed through usually get lots of encouragement and help.
Thanks Steve for the GOOD WORDS lol, I've been on other forums, so I thought I might stop the blood bath of WAR by stating right off the bat, what I wanted and did not want, guess some folks ain't happy and there for need to make others around them the same.
I thank you for the encouragement, and will keep you up to date on the progress.
I made a few calls to Luthier s somewhat in my area, and have had some folk from this sight shoot me a private message, offer things encouragement and help. I've put up some ads on my local Craigslist for some broken Bass's to get parts, and information/Measurements etc..
UprightCowboy
I thank you for the encouragement, and will keep you up to date on the progress.
I made a few calls to Luthier s somewhat in my area, and have had some folk from this sight shoot me a private message, offer things encouragement and help. I've put up some ads on my local Craigslist for some broken Bass's to get parts, and information/Measurements etc..
UprightCowboy
