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Double Bass Endblock cracked...

Jason Sypher

Jason Sypher

Jan 3, 2001
3,836
5,203
Brooklyn, NY
jasonsypher.com
#1
Climbing the dark stairs of a club, stop to open the door, bass endpin slips of stairs and WHACK, lower bout takes the weight of the bass. Everything looked fine externally and it remained in tune. However, this morning upon looking inside I see that there is a crack originating from where the endpin hole is drilled radiating out from each side. It's not wide but it is a crack. Now, everything feels stable and there is no audible buzzing or anything. The block is good sized. I remember my old bass had multiple cracks in the block and I never had an issue. Is this a watch and wait or do I need to be more diligent about taking it in to the shop?
 
#2
A cheap fix might be to get some hide glue soaked linen down over those cracks through the f-holes to keep the cracks from spreading. Then watch it like a hawk and pray it holds. There's a lot of stresses put on that block from everyday use not counting the occasional bump.



Yesth Schnitzel, I said LINEN. I'm totally sold on it now.. ;)
 
#3
Cody Sisk said:
A cheap fix might be to get some hide glue soaked linen down over those cracks through the f-holes to keep the cracks from spreading. Then watch it like a hawk and pray it holds. There's a lot of stresses put on that block from everyday use not counting the occasional bump.



Yesth Schnitzel, I said LINEN. I'm totally sold on it now.. ;)
Click to expand...
I'm in agreement, with two small additions: I would take the endpin out before doing the operation Cody outlines above. That way the block may close up a bit before you reinforce it. Also, with the bass standing up, I'd try to get some glue into the cracks with a long-handled brush, then put on the linen patches. Yes, linen ;). Speaking of which, I was at Pearl Paints on Canal St. yesterday, and bought a piece which should probably last me the rest of my working life!
 
#4
speaking of linen what do you guys use? any particular weight etc? I have a crack in the lower rib bout that is spreading. I'm wondering if I could glue linen on the inside - is this a suitable fix? I'm hoping to avoid having a luthier take the to off etc.
 
#6
arnoldschnitzer said:
I'm in agreement, with two small additions: I would take the endpin out before doing the operation Cody outlines above. That way the block may close up a bit before you reinforce it. Also, with the bass standing up, I'd try to get some glue into the cracks with a long-handled brush, then put on the linen patches. Yes, linen ;). Speaking of which, I was at Pearl Paints on Canal St. yesterday, and bought a piece which should probably last me the rest of my working life!
Click to expand...

I hear you. I picked up a yard of linen at the fabric store when I used up the piece my mom had given me - it was 52" wide and will make patches for a long time to come! ;)
 
#11
This isn't a joke, but I have two cracks in my good bass. One on the bottom side and one on the belly of the base from the edge of the saddle straight up about 8 inches on the sound board side. Until I get a chance to get them to a luthier (Traeger I hope), I have blue painter's tape covering them. I don't know if it helps, but it makes me feel better.
 
#13
gerry grable said:
This isn't a joke, but I have two cracks in my good bass. One on the bottom side and one on the belly of the base from the edge of the saddle straight up about 8 inches on the sound board side. Until I get a chance to get them to a luthier (Traeger I hope), I have blue painter's tape covering them. I don't know if it helps, but it makes me feel better.
Click to expand...

Ack! Please get that tape off there pronto - the adhesive residue will just cause problems when your luthier goes to do a proper repair. If the cracks make you feel bad, just avert your gaze! ;)
 

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