I bought a new Kay M-1 back in 1968 but now haven't played it in 25 years. It remains in my front living room on its stand, strings at tension. But one day the peg fell from its position. I retrieved it from one of the f holes. Now I want to get back playing but don't know how to put the peg back into its correction position. The peg is about 237mm by 18mm with the slit running 137mm. Suggestions as to how to proceed?
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Double Bass Kay M-1 Sound Peg Placement
- Thread starter LeoC
- Start date
I think you mean sound post, and if "at tension" means the strings are still taut you need to loosen the strings RIGHT AWAY!!!!
Slack those strings now if you haven't already. When my post has fallen what I have done was lay the bass down on its back to fish the post out, then rest it on the G string side to place the post. Use long handled pliers or forceps to get the post generally into place. Put enough tension on the G string to hold the bridge in place, and then mount the bridge. The feet should center on the tics on the inside of the ff holes.
Now for the real fun. The post should sit roughly in line with the center of the foot of the G string side of the bridge and maybe one post diameter south of the bridge foot. I use my French bow to tap it into place, reaching through the ff hole to hold one end of the post so it doesn't fall and send you back to Square One.
Why did the post suddenly fall?
Now for the real fun. The post should sit roughly in line with the center of the foot of the G string side of the bridge and maybe one post diameter south of the bridge foot. I use my French bow to tap it into place, reaching through the ff hole to hold one end of the post so it doesn't fall and send you back to Square One.
Why did the post suddenly fall?
It is strange that it fell out with the strings in tension. Let us hope the top is not pushed in.
Inspect the sound post. You should see where a little slit has been made in the post about 1/3 away from one end (the top). This is where it was speared by the sound post setter. Pencil mark it so you can see it well. This slit should generally be toward the central-lower end of the ff hole on the G side. There is probably a mark or indentation on the back that will help show where the post should stand. Now you know the position, the top end and the direction you need to shoot for in order to match the bevel ends to the top and bottom.
Do as directed by KUNG- . Note the way the bridge sets, flat toward the tailpc. It takes time patience but you will get it.
You can use a BBQ fork and a framing square to manipulate the post. You can tie a string on it (toward the top) to retrieve it in case it gets away and to help with the final placement. Some people just leave the string on it. When you get it standing up bump it into position using the square. The post should be vertical not angled any way and should be just tight enough to stand with the strings loose.
Inspect the sound post. You should see where a little slit has been made in the post about 1/3 away from one end (the top). This is where it was speared by the sound post setter. Pencil mark it so you can see it well. This slit should generally be toward the central-lower end of the ff hole on the G side. There is probably a mark or indentation on the back that will help show where the post should stand. Now you know the position, the top end and the direction you need to shoot for in order to match the bevel ends to the top and bottom.
Do as directed by KUNG- . Note the way the bridge sets, flat toward the tailpc. It takes time patience but you will get it.
You can use a BBQ fork and a framing square to manipulate the post. You can tie a string on it (toward the top) to retrieve it in case it gets away and to help with the final placement. Some people just leave the string on it. When you get it standing up bump it into position using the square. The post should be vertical not angled any way and should be just tight enough to stand with the strings loose.
Thank you all for the replies to my question about putting my sound post back in place. (I called it a "peg" during one of my many senior moments.)
FYI. The post has been out for quite some time, although the strings remained at normal tension. I have no idea why this happened. I took your advice and immediately loosened the tension in the strings and checked out both front and back of the bass. It looks perfectly normal. Guess it was well-made. Overall, for its age, it is in rather fine condition.
Thanks again for your help. (Now, for the courage to try putting the post back in.)
FYI. The post has been out for quite some time, although the strings remained at normal tension. I have no idea why this happened. I took your advice and immediately loosened the tension in the strings and checked out both front and back of the bass. It looks perfectly normal. Guess it was well-made. Overall, for its age, it is in rather fine condition.
Thanks again for your help. (Now, for the courage to try putting the post back in.)
It's less a matter of courage than the persistence and good humor that will stop you from kicking this misbehaving instrument across the room when your eighth try at fitting the post ends in failure. Kidding.
In case you are unaware, your instrument has some value. It would be worth a follow-up with a luthier to be sure all is well in order to retain that value.
In case you are unaware, your instrument has some value. It would be worth a follow-up with a luthier to be sure all is well in order to retain that value.
