Double Bass Changes in rib repair methods?

[eh_train]

Hi all,

I have a carved German bass with some older repairs, and noticed that a rib crack was repaired by removing material and inserting a rectangular wooden patch (maybe patch isn't quite the right word, as this is a direct, flush replacement of the missing material). Let me say "nearly flush" as the bare spot was where the patch stuck out a little.

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a similar repair (though neater) on another German bass. You can see that one here (I think it's the second to last pic): Info Requested on Old German Bass | TalkBass.com

I think this method looks invasive and clunky and am wondering if this is still commonly done.

My method for dealing with rib cracks is to rejoin the crack, inserting some new wood to fill the crack if necessary, cleat it, and cleat or linen patch on either side.

So, I'm wondering if this was a common older repair that is now less used? Sort of like the way bass necks were often pinned when the were reset (and we don't see this as a good practice nowadays...).

Thoughts? Comments?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Might have been a puncture, not a crack. I've seen patches the size of Hershey's chocolate bars in the ribs of carved and ply basses.

If you think that's hinky, I've cracked open basses that had rib cracks stuffed full of hot glue reinforced with domino-sized sections of faux-wood paneling hot-glued on in lieu of cleats.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I don't think there's anything wrong with the concept, just the execution. That patch should have been a little bigger and better finished.

A well-executed patch backed up with cleats and linen will last a long time.

 

[eh_train]

Oh, I've seen the wood panel patches! But these seem to be older repairs by someone who knew what they were doing (ie., they cut the patch reasonably well, they used hide glue).

Just wondering if this is an outmoded practice??

 

[Heifetzbass]

Oh, I've seen the wood panel patches! But these seem to be older repairs by someone who knew what they were doing (ie., they cut the patch reasonably well, they used hide glue).

Just wondering if this is an outmoded practice??

Hey Paul,

I would say that is a puncture. I don't think there is anything wrong with the procedure. What else could you do if you don't have all the pieces? A new rib?

Maybe a round or oval shaped patch would be better than square edges?

Best,
BG

 

[eh_train]

Hey Brian,

Maybe it's the rectangle that I find jarring (especially since this is on the upper bout on the bass side, where it's always in sight). I think a "cat's eye" kind of shape would have blended better.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Having the grain pointed in the same direction might have been a good idea too.