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Double Bass need work done on my kay

Snarf

Snarf

Jan 23, 2005
4,153
1,499
Tri-state
#1
I've been told my soundpost is cracked, so I'm going to need a new one. Also, I want to replane the fingerboard and get bridge adjusters installed. How much on average would this cost?

Also, this may or may not make a difference, the fingerboard is rosewood.
 
#2
Snarf said:
I've been told my soundpost is cracked, so I'm going to need a new one. Also, I want to replane the fingerboard and get bridge adjusters installed. How much on average would this cost?

Also, this may or may not make a difference, the fingerboard is rosewood.
Click to expand...
Before you rush to get a new soundpost, be aware that the factory soundposts are made of a hardwood and have a thin slit from top to bottom on one side. This was done to give the setter tool a place to grab it because the wood is too hard to just push the sharp end of the tool into it.
 
#3
I'd give Gary Upton a call. You are fortunate that you are a hop, skip, and a jump from his shop when you are in Bridgewater, CT.

The sound post will run you $100+, I'm not sure what he charges to plane the FB.
 
#4
Bob Branstetter said:
Before you rush to get a new soundpost, be aware that the factory soundposts are made of a hardwood and have a thin slit from top to bottom on one side. This was done to give the setter tool a place to grab it because the wood is too hard to just push the sharp end of the tool into it.
Click to expand...

Indeed! All the more reason to have a pro look at it. You've got one right around the corner.
 
#5
Ah, thanks for the clarification on the slit thing, I just took a look for myself and saw that it definitely looks like an intentional slit, very clean looking, no splintering. So I guess all I need is the fb and bridge work.

I'd definitely go to Upton if I were in CT, but I'm in Boston right now, I was thinking about just taking it down the street to Rutman's.
 
#10
So I went ahead and got a new bridge carved (turns out the bass REALLY needed a new one), and the improvement is amazing. $375, though.

I'm kinda starting to think about taking out a loan and having a new ebony fingerboard put on there. The rosewood is just starting to feel . . . icky. Anyone have an idea on how much that should generally cost?
 
#11
Snarf said:
So I went ahead and got a new bridge carved (turns out the bass REALLY needed a new one), and the improvement is amazing. $375, though.

I'm kinda starting to think about taking out a loan and having a new ebony fingerboard put on there. The rosewood is just starting to feel . . . icky. Anyone have an idea on how much that should generally cost?
Click to expand...


Get the ebony FB no matter how much it costs. I got one for my Kay and it made it sound and feel 500 times better. It will probably run at least 700 bucks or so (i could be way off) but you will not regret it. How is the coil on your tailpiece? I have been told they affect the sound a lot. I have been told (to my face) that upgrading a ply bass is like buying turd polish, but I say replace the FB and the coil if at all possible....... I used student loans:)
 
#12
Heh, funny thing about this bass's sound is, I play with a lot of nasty jazz players who in turn have played with a lot of bass players. Most of them say my Kay, which I spent $1500 on initially, was their favorite tone they've heard from a bass. Even the luthier that worked on my bass last time was impressed by the sound.

Okay, so time to get some cash together. :P
 
#13
did you steal my bass??

I have a kay that i spent 1500 on that i LOVE. i'll admit i havent played a lot of basses but i've never played a bass that i liked the sound better on. the acoustic volume on it is amazing, i play unplugged on 95% of my gigs and always get great feedback on the sound.

my luthier said it wouldnt be worth putting a nice ebony board on the bass, but i may do it anyway in the future simply because i dont even plan on buying a carved bass until i have more money than i know what to do with. i really like my bass.
 

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