Kyle's Super Duper Bass Build of 2018

Hello Talk Bass community! I'll be building a double bass and posting my process here. My plan in for a Busetto corner bass, maybe a 5 string, with an eagle head scroll. I'll try to do this with mostly local and reclaimed woods (New Jersey). I've built a non-traditional, coffin-esque shaped upright before, along with two 5 string electric basses. My tools are somewhat limited so I'll have to work with what I have and build tools as necessary. I'm posting this here in hopes that I can share my experience in building this bass, to answer questions or concerns, and to receive input and constructive criticism.

 

This is the wood I'll be building the bass out of. The older looking piece is from a building built in 1905 in Pennsylvania. It measured 2.75" x 11" x 16'. I was told it is douglas fir but would like to make sure what it is at some point. I counted 236 growth rings on it with an untold number milled off. This will become the top to the bass. The lighter wood is bookmatched cherry that has been air dried for about 10 years. Each piece measured about 1 x 11 x 9'. This will be the flat back to the bass. I cut these pieces to about 4 foot lengths and put them under my bed to dry further until I am ready to work with them. I will need wings on the lower bouts for both the front and the back. There are also a number of nail holes in the reclaimed douglas fir which will have to be navigated thoughtfully (or filled), though I think it may add some character. I am still unsure as to what thickness I'll be making the back. I've recently read that a thicker back makes for a louder sound but I'd also want the bass to be light. What are your opinions and observations on back thicknesses? I'll need to get a jointer and make a 40" drum sander before I start gluing these pieces together. I will post my drum sander when it is completed (hopefully in about one week)

 

Both cherry and European maple (sycamore maple) have a janka hardness of about 1,050 so I figure making it as thick as most other flatbacks will do good. 6 mm will be a good number to shoot for, thank you. I'll consider putting a fan under the bed. It's nice because it's winter( dry air) and there is a baseboard heater heating up right under the bed. I'd imagine the wood is fairly dry already, just giving it an extra little extra something. How hefty do you make the bracing on flatbacks?

 

I recently made the form. It's a busetto corner with violin corners at the top. I used my Romanian bass for a couple measurements. It's just a matter of forming the blocks i guess.

 

Hey, It's going slow but steady, I will add pictures soon. I've started work on the neck and am working on the rib assembly

 

Hey RBrownBass, the bass side of the fingerboard is cut away. I generally like the style and don't even fret near that area. The only downside I have found to this style is that for pizzacato, you are more limited as to where you rest your plucking hand. The wood is osage orange, the hardest wood that grows in my area (New Jersey). I'm still unsure how I'll finish the end of the fingerboard I'll be shaping for my bass build. I'll post pictures of all the pieces and where I am at in the build. I am doing a bird head scroll and it's starting to look really nice. Cheers all

 

Willow for the linings. Carved Thistle applique for the back of the bass. Flamed red maple neck. Malagasy ebony fingerboard. douglas fir soundposts. Douglas fir top. cherry back and sides. I need one more bussetto corner untill I can start bending the willow linings. After that I will finish up the back and glue it on. What do you guys think so far? any ideas?

 

oh ya the malagasy ebony.

 

I totally agree with you RBrown Bass. In hindsight I would make the treble side longer, rather than cutting from the bass side. I also play 99% pizz. This bass I'm making will be a jazz bass (good for pizz with a bright sound). The next one I make I will make an orchestral bass with a c extension ( good for arco with a dark sound) out of black walnut back and sides. For this fingerboard, I have a straight end in mind, but we'll see what happens.

 

Hey guys, I've pretty much finished my bass. I'll put a video up or me playing it in a little bit. What do you guys think? I plan on taking better pictures. It is a 41" scale length busetto/violin corner bass. It is set up for jazz and has a very nice pizz tone.

 

Are you doing busetto corners too train? 2% done for me was just thinking about it, even before searching for the wood. What step are you on now?