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Loose seam - is it my fault?

Discussion in 'Setup & Repair [DB]' started by Jazzman, Jul 5, 2003.

  1. Jul 5, 2003 #1
    Jazzman

    Jazzman

    Nov 26, 2002
    Raleigh, NC
    I have had two basses in the past six months that have been diagnosed with loose seams. Both of these have also been in the same location - on the bass-side lower corner.

    The similarities got me thinking...could this be the result of something I am doing? IMO I am very careful with my basses and don't knowingly mistreat them. What do you think? Does this sound like my fault or just a coincidence?
     
  2. Jul 5, 2003 #2
    Don Higdon

    Don Higdon In Memoriam

    Dec 11, 1999
    Princeton Junction, NJ
    You're talking about two instances of the glue failing to hold pieces together. If you had bashed the wood hard enough to open the glue, it would be highly visible, and you would have heard the thunk.
    I don't know who made the basses, but it sounds to me like the makers are responsible.
     
  3. Jul 5, 2003 #3
    Jazzman

    Jazzman

    Nov 26, 2002
    Raleigh, NC
    My Luthier suspects that the wonderful Vermont climate is the culprit...but it just seemed like a strange coincidence to me that both basses failed in the same place.

    The two basses are an Engelhardt EM-1 and a carved Euro Artist 3/4 Flatback.
     
  4. Jul 6, 2003 #4
    nicklloyd

    nicklloyd Supporting Member/Luthier

    Jan 27, 2002
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    are these open top seams? or back seams? it is important to remember that we want tops to open, as opposed to a crack forming somewhere else on the instrument. (an open seam is not a big deal, and it can be a symptom of larger situation.) I don't want to get you paranoid, jassman; just the opposite. the severe months of January/February and July/August can take its toll on glue joints. it's not your fault...
     
  5. Jul 6, 2003 #5
    Jazzman

    Jazzman

    Nov 26, 2002
    Raleigh, NC
    Yes, these are top-seams. Thanks for you input...I appreciate it.