Double Bass (Maybe) NBD

[Len S]

I have been auditioning (and bonding with) this bass for almost a week. It's a German bass from GEWA...A Walther 11 in "Berlin Antik" finish.

The sound is HUGE. The Pirastro Perpetuals I asked them to set it up with so I could A/B with my entry level carved are incredibly growly. Bowing is great (other than the wolf at Bb on the A string in thumb). Great low-mid punch. And this is with a new bass.

The finish is lovely. Some areas are "aged" on purpose. The neck is fat, but I love it. It feels comfortable. The heel is large, but I can get around on it.

The ONLY problem with it is (probably) aesthetic...There is some rib distortion. And I can't get a definitive answer whether this is a non-issue or not, but it's bothering me. The bummer is that this thing sounds AMAZING, but I'm gonna worry about that distortion I'm sure. It's on both top bouts and one of the C bouts. Some think it could lead to cracks or problems. One of the users here said it isn't a big deal when I posted in another forum.

Pix attached (including some of the rib distortions). I am trying out ONE more bass Saturday (not telling anyone what cause I don't want anyone to grab it!).

 

[Jeff Kissell]

My 2005 laminated NS Cleveland has solid ribs (go figure) and there has always be some "waviness" to the lower bouts. Not as much as your photo but it has never been a problem.

 

[Ed S]

Only you can make the call. But whether is is a structural issue and whether it will bother you are not exactly the same.

Gotta say, this afternoon the sun was coming in the window and making my 1 mo old bass look especially pretty. I spent a few moments closely appreciating it from all angles. I was thinking about your threads as I appreciated that there was nothing about it that I didn't love. Just my thoughts. Like I said, only you can decide what is best for you.

 

[Len S]

This one is the worst offender. Trying to determine if it's "within normal".

 

[Ed S]

The makers around here will be able to opine as to whether that is w/in acceptable tolerances on new basses at what price levels. This ain't a cheap ply or some old beast that has been through the wars.

My wife just makes little fiddles - and far cheaper than your bass. But I couldn't imagine her letting something outta her shop with lines like those.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Man, is this your 3rd thread here on this topic? Post on the Double Bass Luthiers Group page on Facebook. More luthiers participate there than on TB these days.

 

[longfinger]

My carved bass has similar waves on the ribs. I've had it over 10 years and absolutely no problems.

 

[16fuss]

I have the same on a 100 year+ bohemian- no trouble so far.

 

[Ed S]

Man, is this your 3rd thread here on this topic? ...

Yeah - that makes me think that, whether any of US thinks this is anything to be concerned about, it sure DOES seem to concern HIM.

Personally, I don't like having a lot of uncertainty when deciding whether to make an $8k discretionary purchase. But I'm not sure how much assurance one way or another he expects from each additional thread.