Is there a book or source that would give set-up specs, action, fingerboard,etc somewhat on the order of Carothers book on electric bass and guitars.
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Double Bass Double bass setup specs, etc
- Thread starter quarternote
- Start date
https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Strobel-Useful-Measurements-Reference/dp/B00HTK4XW0
Every shop should have this book.
Does anybody else find it ironic that the cost is $300 from Amazon or $12.50 direct from Henry's son at henrystrobel.com???
Every shop should have this book.
Does anybody else find it ironic that the cost is $300 from Amazon or $12.50 direct from Henry's son at henrystrobel.com???
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- Aug 1, 2005
- 3,546
- 1,421
- Disclosures
- Private Inventor - Bass Capos
Henry was a gem of a fellow and really wanted the rest of the world to share in his passion for instrument building. He authored dozens of books on violin family building and ran a nice old school shop in Oregon. He told me stories of working for Hewlett Packard back in the '50s and then giving up the corporate life and moving up to the Willamette valley back in the day when you could buy a nice farm for $8k surrounded by local maples and spruce everywhere, and not a bearded fancy coffee hipster anywhere to be seen....
There are other bass specific books and such, but Henry's little $12 book has an incredible amount of useful information, charts, and diagrams that are very helpful and give a range of specs.
There are other bass specific books and such, but Henry's little $12 book has an incredible amount of useful information, charts, and diagrams that are very helpful and give a range of specs.
Henry authored a great book with the info you related and so much more.
Unfortunately I loaned mine out and as of this day, my hipster son hasn't returned it. Behavior endemic to type. like so many other monochromatic individuals.
I wish there were more Henry Stroebel folks
and less of the other greed and avarice breeds dominating the landscape.
Hope this helps. But probably will serve as a dog whistle.
- Aug 1, 2005
- 3,546
- 1,421
- Disclosures
- Private Inventor - Bass Capos
Just got my copy! Ten bucks shipping to Germany. No biggie. Anything about C-extensions in there?
There is plenty of helpful info in the Strobel book, but some of it seems to be a little dated. Bass still isn't like violin-viola-'cello, which have pretty standard measurements to which they are built and setup...though I think we are getting closer! Ask 5 luthiers a question about a bass spec you'll get 10 answers, with caveats. The Traeger book has some useful info, but a well respected bass luthier told me years ago to take most of the info with several grains of salt. Some funky techniques in that book that would no longer be seen in a reputable bass shop.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
I've been working on basses for several years. When I began setting up basses in a production shop I was told, 'the bass is just a big violin'.
Based on the lack of bass specific material available, I'm afraid that that attitude is all too prevalent.
The bass is a unique member of the string family in that it truly is used in all musical genres. Strung with guts and slapped or bowed as a member of a section requires a much different setup. Those who work on these big things must approach the task with an open mind and a willingness to learn from a variety of sources.
'By the book' works better with violins than it does with basses. It begs the question, 'which book?'.
That said, the Strobel book is very useful.
Based on the lack of bass specific material available, I'm afraid that that attitude is all too prevalent.
The bass is a unique member of the string family in that it truly is used in all musical genres. Strung with guts and slapped or bowed as a member of a section requires a much different setup. Those who work on these big things must approach the task with an open mind and a willingness to learn from a variety of sources.
'By the book' works better with violins than it does with basses. It begs the question, 'which book?'.
That said, the Strobel book is very useful.
I wan not aware that Henry had died. I have spent many hours in his books (all of them, even his collection of personal essays) and on the phone with him. Had tea with him, sitting in his kitchen, looking out over his back yard and the creek that borders it. Sad news to me. I guess I missed it, or my memory is beginning to get spotty...
Yes, every one of his books is valuable.
Yes, every one of his books is valuable.
