Double Bass DB's in humid or dry conditions

[Matthew_84]

Hello all,

I've been playing BG for over 4 years. Love it, but for the last year or so I've really just wanted to play DB.

I live in Toronto (which actually gets VERY humid in the summer), and since the house I live in is heated by radiators and there's no central AC or furnace with an humidifier, the indoor air control here is basically non-existant. Chapped lips in the winter, you can slightly hear wood cracking on cold days, and the humidity in the summer has caused some doors to not close properly.

Clearly, this isn't an environment safe for a DB. And this worry has made me practically limit my search to EUB's since I'd think they'd handle the varying conditions better.

But before I go into full on EUB GAS mode, I want to ask some DB players how they handle conditions like this. Are there humidity pouches or wet sponges or something you shove in your gig bag? Anything that can be done to keep a $2000 or so, plywood bass, in decent condition in these kind of conditions?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Eric Hochberg]

You need room humidifiers where the bass is kept when the heat comes on. 35-40% humidity is sufficient. You can use Dampit sponge tubes in your f holes when you take the bass out, just make sure they are wrung out so they don't drip. You shouldn't have any problems in the summer, just don't leave your bass baking in the sun.

Don't worry about this, and don't let it stop you from playing double bass! Countless bass players around the world deal with it successfully. And plywood basses are more stable in tough conditions than carved.

 

[Matthew_84]

LOL, you made it so easy... Thanks

 

[Thumpie]

There's a general consensus that plywood basses are robust and can handle adverse climates.

With a little care, you'll have no problems with a good quality ply-bass. Avoid cheaper Asian made basses. Those have a reputation of falling apart.