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Double Bass How bad does this seam look?

TheSuzie

TheSuzie

Jan 27, 2006
1,476
13
Boston & Arizona, USA
#1
Hi,

I'm new to this side of TB, so hi to all DB lovers here.

I just got my DB out of storage. I have not touched it in many years due to medical problems. While the strings are pretty dead, it does seem to tune and play pretty well (as much as my damaged hands, wrists and arms can tell, anyway) and actually sounds quite good for a laminated bass. The instument feels tight with no buzzes, creaks, cracks etc, and I do have a little bit of experience with instruments that have had those sort of problems.

The problem I do see is some opening of the top seam as shown in the picture, also the saddle where the tailpiece gut crosses has lifted at the lower end and is sitting at an angle of about 45 degrees to its original position. BTW: the endpin does not seem to have pulled forward at all and appears to be solid - I take this to be a good sign. In the picture the open portion of seam is to the viewers left hand side of the saddle.

I have not been able to find any other real probelms with this DB, though I will go over it again. My question is, do you think that this repair can be dealt with as a simple glue and clamp job I could attempt myself? If not, or if you would advise me to take it to a pro, can you suggest anyone in the greater Boston area who is fair, reliable and does not have poor attitude about working on a none too fancy DB.

Thanks,
S
 
#2
The only way to learn is to try it. I can't really tell from the picture but if it looks like something you can do, by all means try. Make sure you use hide glue so if you really screw up a luthier can steam it apart and fix it the right way. I've also heard knox gelatin will work in a pinch but somebody else better chime in.

I have two basses. I starting to do more of my own work on my 'b' bass, a german factory ply. Just make sure whatever you do is reversable.

Good luck.
 
#3
I rented a big german bass when I was in Europe which had external linings like yours. On that bass, the linings had shrunk away fom the top in places, but the top itself was still well glued to the ribs and internal linings

In any case, I would have thought that an open seam in that area would not necessarily be a big problem because it would be held firmly in position by the pressure of the tailpiece on the saddle.

I may be wrong ...
 
#4
I'd have it fixed. That seam is only going to keep opening up more in my experience. Rattles, loss of volume, all kinds of crap that you don't want. I just had a luthier fix a similar one on my bass. She showed me how to do it, and I'd give it a shot next time around, but unless you've got some experience with hide glue, I'd take it to a pro.
 
#5
I could swear that I replied to this thread about an hour or two ago after seeing a second post with a picture of the back? Am I dreaming this?

Anyway, I suggested to take it to Volker Nahrmann in the Boston area and also inquire about changing the tailwire to steel cable with an adjustable clamp of some sort.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I also suggested that unless you have experience with Bass repairs as well as all the tools and fresh hide glue, take the Bass to a professional. In the beginning of my post after seeing the nicely figured back of your Bass (I think?), I commented that it was a nice looking Bass from the back.

Suzie, am I dreaming this up or did you delete your second post and somehow mine as well or did I forget to hit SUBMIT REPLY or was I posting on someone elses thread? I recall putting Nahmanns link up for you as well... Am I getting old or what?
 
#6
Ok Suzie, I found it. I am not loosing my mind, I think..lol

You made TWO posts about your Bass, I read both and 'replied' to this post on the other Thread here; http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252243

So, maybe just a few loose marbles.. nothing too serious. I'll try keeping better track of where I say what and when...

It's been a looooooooooooooooooooong day.
 
#7
KSB - Ken Smith said:
I could swear that I replied to this thread about an hour or two ago after seeing a second post with a picture of the back? Am I dreaming this?

Anyway, I suggested to take it to Volker Nahrmann in the Boston area and also inquire about changing the tailwire to steel cable with an adjustable clamp of some sort.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I also suggested that unless you have experience with Bass repairs as well as all the tools and fresh hide glue, take the Bass to a professional. In the beginning of my post after seeing the nicely figured back of your Bass (I think?), I commented that it was a nice looking Bass from the back.

Suzie, am I dreaming this up or did you delete your second post and somehow mine as well or did I forget to hit SUBMIT REPLY or was I posting on someone elses thread? I recall putting Nahmanns link up for you as well... Am I getting old or what?
Click to expand...


Yes, you are getting old (so am I) but that probably has little to do with it. :) Suzie also posted under "Basses" and you responded here.
 
#8
DRURB said:
Yes, you are getting old (so am I) but that probably has little to do with it. :) Suzie also posted under "Basses" and you responded here.
Click to expand...


Thanks DRURB but I found it myself by searching my own posts just b4 you posted. Imagine a world where we have to spy on ourselves.. Help... Hittin the double nickle this year. Just a few months away from my first AFM Pension fund check...
 
#9
DRURB said:
Yes, you are getting old (so am I) but that probably has little to do with it. :) Suzie also posted under "Basses" and you responded here.
Click to expand...


Not to hijack this thread but since you meantioned it, look and see how well I remembered my other post. Compare them and see that I have not yet lost my short term memory. I just loose track of where I am..:help:
 
#11
Marcus Johnson said:
Hey Bro...that ain't old! Especially for a bass player.....
Click to expand...


You're right! I should have said that Ken (and I, and everyone else for that matter) are getting older, not old.

Ken-- 55 is the new 30!
 
#13
Zachary Martin said:
I would suggest having it repaired by a professional. The bass would most likely benefit from a new tailpiece wire as well. The stiff wire(which looks to be what you have) can have adverse effects on that area. If you haven't found a repair person yet, please let me know.
Click to expand...


Zach, I thouught we told her that already here;....
---------------------------------------------------------
That's a nice looking bass from the back there.

Unless you have experience in Bass repairing and the propper tools, clamps and glues it would be best to have a professional fix it, Also inquire about a new steel cable tail wire as well.. Try Volker Nahrmann [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

He's the best in the Boston area from what I have heard and a nice guy as well.
__________________

From my post here as well; http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252243

Anyway Zach, better late than never. I'll tell Arnold you stopped in..
 

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