Double Bass Cracked!!

[natbers78]

Hey All-

It's cold and dry up here in Alaska. I just found a crack on the top of my bass that is about 6'' long. I've never had crack repaired before...can someone tell me how much (roughly) this will cost and how it is repaired? Thanks.

 

[robobass]

Depends on where it is!
Robobass

 

[reedo35]

Top or bottom? Sound post or bass bar side? Either way, start at around $500 and go up from there...

 

[toman]

Ummm, $500 to glue a crack? My bass developed a wing crack; luthier charged me something like $60 to glue and clamp it, had the bass back in a couple days. Now if it's a soundpost crack or some other major thing, obviously you're looking at more time and money.

 

[reedo35]

He probably didn't have to take the top off, and how big was the crack? A 6 inch split is some serious work.

 

[natbers78]

I have a feeling this is going to be a nightmare! I can't wait to move away from this non-humidity havin' place! The crack is on the table, soundpost side, and goes from the top of the bass downward from the seam.

 

[natbers78]

maybe I can post a pic...

 

[natbers78]

OK...check it out. I don't why I'm making such a big deal out of this...I'm still going to have to get it fixed!!

 

[toman]

That doesn't look to be very serious. Don't worry about it, I bet your luthier can fix that and have you back in action in no time.

 

[Jeff Bollbach]

I'd glue that up without taking the top off and head it off with some linen so it doesn't get worse. What you have is somewhat minor but it could go major. Less than $100.

 

[toman]

Out of curiosity, how would you go about getting the linen in there with the top still on? That seems like a messy proposition...

 

[natbers78]

thanks fellas.

 

[dmperry24]

It's a little late now, like closing the barndoor after the horse gets out, but you should consider getting a humidifier. I got a Vornado room humidifier for about $50 from Amazon. I keep my bass in a small room, so the Vornado works well (the room size is like a small bedroom or a bathroom -- about 10ft x 10ft or so). I had used it in a larger room that was twice the size of my present room, and it didn't do the job of keeping the room humidified. So, if you have a smallish room to keep your bass in, get a humidifier and save those cracks.
Mike

 

[mojoluthier]

I agree with less than $100. It is an normal example of the result of a humidity spike. Ideally, the top should have popped loose from the rib instead. And indeed, if there are no cracks on the lower bout, it may have. Have a close look and see. When properly built they are made to do this, being glued with "thin" glue belly to ribs. It is amazing how cracked up a bass can be and still sound quite good.