Double Bass Englehardt ES 1

[Dan Hannum]

My late model Englehardt ES1 has a very thick , probably catalyzed lacquer finish. Will I improve the overall tone and resonance by stripping and doing a Behlen spirit varnish? The Behlen is in reality, shellac. I will do a strictly minimal coating and transparent shading job for protection and athstetics. OR: is this a frivolous endeavour since the bass is 100% plywood? I am a 45 year veteran in the finishing biz and wont need finishing tips, however, I do need the actual Bassplayers or luthiers experience with Englehardt instruments. Have gone from a 19th c.Boho gamba flatback (f.u.b.a.r) to the ES 1 for stability reasons (live on the Oregon coast) Thanks for your help/input

 

[mongo2]

Since the Englehardt is a double bass you may have more luck asking in the double bass forum.

 

[Steven Ayres]

Your Englehardt does have a pretty thick nitro finish, which is normally fairly easy to remove with scrapers. Reducing the weight of the finish can only increase the resonance of the top and back. For cosmetic rather than sonic purposes I have done this with a '50s Kay, where the finish was considerably less thick as those on later Kays and Engles, without detriment but without much noticeable effect on the voice, though it does feel looser in play. My Engle has its original finish and works pretty well despite.

I would say that if your purpose is primarily to improve resonance, I would first recommend making sure you've got the setup dialed in before undertaking a refinish, as that makes a whole lot more difference than the finish thickness on these instruments.

 

[Ekajimmy]

Since the Englehardt is a double bass you may have more luck asking in the double bass forum.

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[Dan Hannum]

Thanks Steven, my setup is good but I may experemint with the original Englehardt bridge as well as with the adjustable wheel bridge. I'm happy with my strings and my soundpost is in a good place. I must also confess that the deep mahogany color messes with my athstetic sensibilities slathered on spruce. I am a 45 yr veteran in the refin and resto biz, furniture,antiques and a few instruments. I know theres alot of "red violins" out there but amber brown is my choice. Any improvment is welcomed in sound.

 

[Ed S]

I play a 10 yr old Engle. Whatever it's shortcomings, resonance ain't among them. Just saying, if you are confident it is set up optimally, I question how much of a tone improvement you could expect from stripping and refinishing.

If you want the project, and prefer the aesthetics, by all means, go ahead. But after, you'll still have an Engle - w/ all of its strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Dan Hannum]

Ditching the refin project. I think the purfling is painted (anybody know if it is?). Feels like bad juju to break it down,and, I have some big shows coming up in 2 weeks. "aint broke so Im not gonna fix it.

 

[Steven Ayres]

Ditching the refin project. I think the purfling is painted (anybody know if it is?).

It's definitely painted pinstripes.

 

[Dan Hannum]

Thank you Steven

 

[Roger Mouton]

Can anyone please point me to the thread discussing the Englehardt end pin and issues with the set screw not holding, even into the notches?