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Double Bass Hybrid basses in cold countries: a potential problem?

I

Ivan R

Jun 8, 2012
237
164
#1
Hello,

Being at the final stages of my bass search, I need only to decide whether I'll go for a nicer laminate or a basic, no frills hybrid.

I live in Western Canada, north of the 53rd Parallel. We have at least 6 months of snow, and only in a couple of weeks in July the heating system (set here to keep the house at 19 Celsius) is not triggered by the weather outside.

I have been receiving conflicting opinions about the feasibility of a hybrid bass here, close to the Artic cirle. Some people say I'll have no problems, as long as I keep the room in a constant level of humidity. Others, however, have said that I should most definitely get a laminate, as either a carved or a hybrid WILL crack, despite any maintenance efforts to prevent it.

What is your experience on this?

Thanks for sharing,

Ivan
 
#3
Temperature is a factor, but low humidity is the real danger.

The theory behind hybrid basses is that the plywood back and ribs do not move (much) compared to solid maple, which moved like crazy and stresses the relatively soft spruce top.

If you can keep the bass at a relatively even temperature and at least 40 percent humidity, you should be ok if the bass was constructed properly.
 
#4
After the first few seasons living in Anchorage, AK my bass acclimated and now experiences few issues each year. The first couple years were a bit nerve racking but luckily I found a good luthier shortly after moving here and he has taken care of me. Hybrid is the way to go IMHO.
 
#5
I'm in northern Wisconsin, about 46º north. There's still snow on the ground here and the furnace runs all winter. I have an Upton Medio Fino hybrid. It's a tough bass, sounds great. Even with a humidifiers in the room where I keep the bass the humidity gets down to about 23%. No problems. But every bass is different. I switched over from a laminate and have no regrets.
 
#6
Hey Ivan -- I'm in Winnipeg. We get a few cold days around here. I've owned and operated a Christopher hybrid for about a decade now. No issues whatsoever with cold weather, indoor heating, etc. I don't use any kind of humidifier in the house. In fact, three years ago we radically improved the insulation and vapour barrier envelope on our 100-year old house, to the extent where we actually have a bit of excess humidity in the wintertime. In the old house or the new house, and hundreds of trips for gigs and practices -- no issues to report. Don't fuss about it, my man. Go forth!
 
#7
longfinger said:
What kind of music are you playing? Laminates are easier to care for yes, but sound different than carved top basses. What sound are you going for?
Click to expand...

could you expand on that for me please? i am looking at getting into playing upright bass and also have come across suggestions of laminate or hybrid due to being from alaska. i know very little about the upright and i wanna get into it as i am a huge fan of the sound in Norah Jones and Lake Street Dive and other Jazz/Folk/Indie/Pop stylings. thank you!
 
#10
dinsdal3 said:
where would that be? i have been thinking about buying or renting one from Petrs Violin. they have been pretty good to me and the people at Horn Doctor have done some really good setups on a few of my electric basses.
Click to expand...

Petr does a lot of work in this town, but I go to a guy who has a shop in his basement off Abbot. He does great work and makes some beautiful violins. If you're looking for an affordable bass to purchase I might have something you are interested in. PM me for details.
 

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