Double Bass F-Hole Twist

[Bitters]

Noticed the bass-side f-hole seems to be uneven on my hybrid bass. Unfortunately I forget if it's been like this since purchase (a few years ago) or if it recently changed over the last winter. The bass still makes the same tone as it has over the years (sounds pretty good, so not sure if that clears a bass bar issue).

Is this anything to worry about, get fixed, or just keep an eye on?

 

[AGCurry]

It's pretty common, likely not something to warrant a trip to the luthier unless you are also seeing a sagging top or other changes in geometry.

 

[Mark_T]

I had a Kai Arvi bass that had some significant deformation around the F-holes (more than what you're showing). That bass's top was described by one reputable luthier as "stupid thin", and another reputable luthier assured me that at some point in the future the top would have to come off and be pressed back to shape. In the end, I had that bass for over a decade and just kept an eye on it, and the deformation didn't progress.

Depending on the age of your bass (seems new-ish), it may be worth having someone just take a quick look and maybe take some measurements as a benchmark, or set a slightly longer post, or whatever the experts think is warranted. Based on my N of 1, it's likely you don't have an emergency on your hands, but it is something that you should keep an eye on and point out to your luthier next time you see them.

 

[Bitters]

Thanks for the quick feedback. Sticker inside says it's a 2017, so newer, but not fresh.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I have the same on mine (E.Wilfer, Germany), maybe even a bit more than yours. Started with just a bit after bevor two years and progressed until it was about ten years old. It‘s 8 mm height difference at maximum. (top thickness is about the same, 4/4, 110 cm scale, 5-string).

I showed it to one luthier and he said that it is not dangerous at the current state but keep an eye on it. This luthier showed me thin Pöllmann tops at his wall which were thin and so much warped that they couldn‘t be reshaped.

A different luthier explained to me that the wood between the grains shrinks, specially if the wood is a bit too fresh, so that over time the width of the top shrinks and pulls the top down because the ribs won‘t move because of their construction.

It’s a question of static. If the top is still curved with no “waves” (back and forth curvature) the static should be OK.
Don’t be too worried, but best have a luthier look at it.

After a soundpost shortening and repositioning (by a different luthier who explained to me that the wood changes chemically after about ten years and then stays) my bass sounds much better than when it was new (and it was still good then).

Notice that when the top comes down the soundpost presses harder at the top, so some work on the soundpost might be a good idea. One more reason to visit a luthier.

 

[prhine]

My 180-year-old double bass has same f-hole issues and has had them since I bought the bass back in the early 1990s. No problems thus far and luthiers over the years say still no issues with it. My playing on the other hand....

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I've seen more basses with f-holes like this, than not. I'm not entirely sure what causes this other than the natural tendency of wood when relieved in some direction. Clearly if the holes weren't cut, it wouldn't do that. So... why?

Unless the top is sinking under the bridge or significantly deformed I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Jmilitsc]

Have a ply bass that recently sunk much worse. Turned out that the bass bar had detached inside at both ends causing the more drastic sinking - a top-off repair was needed.

it had previously been only slightly sunk unchanged like the OP’s photo for years, with regular visits to luthier for checkups, no issue at all with the bass bar - until suddenly that changed.

so i guess as everyone else is saying - just keep monitoring it and have it looked at.

mine’s all good now, happy camper.

 

[CryingBass]

Yeh my 50's Kay has been like that since I owned it ( decades ). IMHO, cosmetic only. Does anyone make a pill for sagging f-holes?

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

Yeh my 50's Kay has been like that since I owned it ( decades ). IMHO, cosmetic only. Does anyone make a pill for sagging f-holes?

A pill, no... but there is a device made that you can fasten on there when not playing to discourage the warp. Not even sure what it's called. Works kinda' like a spool clamp.

*This isn't the one I was thinking about, but does the same thing. F-hole Flap Lifter, Bass

 

[logdrum]

I haven't seen those dead even, always a slight rise or fall usually a the ends but that is definitely not great. That is probably why some Hannah Mayne basses, she uses other designs for the cut out and not a continuous hole to prevent this. I will ask her next time I see her. She knows a lot and great at explaining.

I think that this also serves a structural device to stabilize the top as the wood shrinks and maybe it is intentional . If it affects your bridge full contact I would definitely go to the luthier