Double Bass Crack repair Q&A

[ctregan]

Below is a digital image, of a bass top, with a split.

Q: What is the "preferred" method of repair?

Work glue into the open crack, keeping the bout together and not letting the crack progress any further.

Or:

Let the crack run into the f hole, separate the two pieces, then apply glue with full access to the crack.

I would like to keep them together for alignment reasons, but its hard to get glue in the end of the crack. Any insight/help into this dilemma would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I would glue the crack as presented, then add cleats and/or linen reinforcement as necessary.

 

[forester]

+1 and the little one to the left isn't any help...maybe give that justice first?

 

[uprightben]

Keep the crack warm when you apply the glue. Where you can't get a brush into the crack, puddle some glue on the crack and rub it in with your finger while you work the crack open and closed. if the puddle gels, wipe it off and reapply. When little bubbles start to come out of the crack and it makes a sucking sound when you move it you will know you have glue in there. Clamp, clean with warm water and then reheat the crack to make the glue flow again.

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

What they said, plus clean out the old crap first.

 

[kurt ratering]

could you tell me what the stamp says? i had a bass a while ago that had a similar stamp on it...
mine is hard to read, but i think it says h.m.cusak, violin maker, toronto ont. nov (?) 7 xxxx

 

[ctregan]

could you tell me what the stamp says? i had a bass a while ago that had a similar stamp on it...
mine is hard to read, but i think it says h.m.cusak, violin maker, toronto ont. nov (?) 7 xxxx

Mine says

Franz Wilfer
Musikinstruments
Abareth ?? ???

Rubber stamps on grainy softwoods, are somewhat illegible.

 

[360guy]

Keep the crack warm when you apply the glue. Where you can't get a brush into the crack, puddle some glue on the crack and rub it in with your finger while you work the crack open and closed. if the puddle gels, wipe it off and reapply. When little bubbles start to come out of the crack and it makes a sucking sound when you move it you will know you have glue in there. Clamp, clean with warm water and then reheat the crack to make the glue flow again.

You can also use a wet/dry vacuum nozzle on the back side of the crack to pull some glue into the joint. An extra set of hands will be useful.