what a beauty Don...just what I needed to see to keep me believing that I can finish mine...thanks for blazing the trail
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Double Bass It's finished!
- Thread starter Don Harris
- Start date
Baloney!
I swear!!!!! Pretty much everything I'd done with wood had been with a jigsaw, power miter box, hand drill and sandpaper before this little project. Every step of this was a HUGE learning curve.
I figured out how to post sound clips. Now I just have to get something recorded that doesn't totally suck. While building, my practice routine pretty much fell apart.
I'd be glad to get your feedback on it. I'm on the north side of the Springs if you are ever down this way (any time), or I could head up to Denver some time. Let me know.
I swear!!!!! Pretty much everything I'd done with wood ...QUOTE]
I agree-- I had plenty of carpentry stuff; houses, a boat, etc., but if I tried to make a bookcase or anything "nice" like that, it always came out a little "rustic"...besides, there are very few parallel lines, square corners, flat surfaces, plumb or level members in a musical instrument-- almost nothing from regular woodworking even applies.
My first viola had a lot of "beginner stuff" all over it, but I have improved some. But the best thing is, there are no straight lines, etc. so all I have to do is follow the plan as best I can, and match curves in an aesthetic manner. The delicacy of it all was the biggest "scary" thing to me-- I was always afraid I would break something...and sometimes I did, but I glued them back together and kept going.
In a way it is easier than other woodworking, and many ways FAR harder, but the backgound in woodworking (what little there was) really wasn't a big help.
I'm with you, Don.Perseverance was needed, too...
<<and match curves in an aesthetic manner>>
I think that this is my favorite thing about building a violin family instrument. The aesthetic nature of the curves; outline, arching, f-holes, edgework... It's SO goes beyond following a pattern or drawing, or "cutting on the line".
I think that this is my favorite thing about building a violin family instrument. The aesthetic nature of the curves; outline, arching, f-holes, edgework... It's SO goes beyond following a pattern or drawing, or "cutting on the line".
- Nov 6, 2007
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- humble instrument maker
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
As someone who knew Don back in college 25 years ago I can attest to Don's tenacity and attention to detail. Everything I ever saw him do was done very carefully and correctly. I suspect these traits coupled with patience are most important in crafting a beautiful bass.
I remember once riding with him when he asked me if adding a qt of 10W40 would kill the engine if it got 10W30 on the last oil change.
Always the one to think everything through.
I remember once riding with him when he asked me if adding a qt of 10W40 would kill the engine if it got 10W30 on the last oil change.
Always the one to think everything through.
I've been sticking with 10W30 on my current basses. Just make sure to change it out every 3000 notes or so.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
Don,
Very nice job, my congratulations. I'm amazed that you got all the wood for that price.
Don't make any more basses. We don't need the competition.
all best,
marteen
Very nice job, my congratulations. I'm amazed that you got all the wood for that price.
Don't make any more basses. We don't need the competition.
all best,
marteen
Martin, I met you at KC Strings years ago before the remodel while in town visiting my dad. You were very kind. Right now I'm being selfish with my building. I'm just wanting to make basses that I would love to play.
Don,
Congratulations! That is a fine looking bass. Be patient for it to open up, it will get better and better for the next year...
Congratulations! That is a fine looking bass. Be patient for it to open up, it will get better and better for the next year...
Yes, I remember meeting you too, but thanks for the KC cue. I had been thinking we had met up somewhere in Nashville, but I remember clearly now the day you came into the KC Strings shop.
Just kidding about making basses. Make as many as your hands and heart can make. When I went into the field everyone told me it was crazy to make basses. "You can't make any money on them, they take up too much room" ad nauseum. It seems to me from this forum that if the bass players don't make basses then who will?
All best and good luck or as they say here, "buena suerte".
marteen
Just kidding about making basses. Make as many as your hands and heart can make. When I went into the field everyone told me it was crazy to make basses. "You can't make any money on them, they take up too much room" ad nauseum. It seems to me from this forum that if the bass players don't make basses then who will?
All best and good luck or as they say here, "buena suerte".
marteen
