• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

New Build: Noah SSC

#163
Nope, cannot be repaired.

Valuable lesson learned on the weakness in the design tho' . . . I will revise the chambered frame . . . maybe make a solid body for the leftover neck . . . not sure yet . . . looking for wood . . .



LedBelli Bass said:
Sometimes really bad things happen at LedBelli Bass:

IMG_0285.jpg


IMG_0286.jpg


IMG_0287.jpg


5-String fretless neck for sale . . . really nice:bassist:
Click to expand...
 
#167
It fell from the benchtop (shown) to the floor). The unanticipated weakness was at the 1/4" jack penetration . . . the Spalted Maple top and back, and the Ash core opposite the penetration near the horn, were of insufficient strength to keep it from breaking in half.

The Spalted top and back provided little or no strength to the construction. What held it all together was the frame.

I've found another Spalted set that may suffice to start a new body. I will be re-thinking the approach to the chambered body with this newfound wisdom . . .
 
#168
That's a shame!
Well now we all know we need a bigger frame whan using a rather soft wood for top and back...
I suggest you jump right back into making a new body.
The jack hole through end grain make the area a lot more fragile than if it had been drilled through side grain (further down the side of the bass, but it is more exposed there, so...)
You could add some thicker contrasting veneers (like 2 or 3mm thick) with the grain running perpendicular to that of the frame. It will be less prone to splitting.
[joke] You must have a lot of nerve to purposely throw your bass on the floor in order to test the strength of your design... ;) [/joke]
 
#169
Wow, that's horrible. I'm sorry that happened to you.

I think I just learned to always treat spalted wood as if it's not there, structurally.



The one bright side I can think of is that this is probably better than if it happened to your customer, three days after the bass was delivered.
 
#170
LedBelli Bass said:
It fell from the benchtop (shown) to the floor). The unanticipated weakness was at the 1/4" jack penetration . . . the Spalted Maple top and back, and the Ash core opposite the penetration near the horn, were of insufficient strength to keep it from breaking in half.

The Spalted top and back provided little or no strength to the construction. What held it all together was the frame.

I've found another Spalted set that may suffice to start a new body. I will be re-thinking the approach to the chambered body with this newfound wisdom . . .
Click to expand...

man, that's tragic, that was a really pretty looking instrument.

are spalt veneers available? i would think that would be a decent option, at least for the back - a veneer or thin layer over another thin layer of maple or something similarly strong.
 
#172
john turner said:
man, that's tragic, that was a really pretty looking instrument.

are spalt veneers available? i would think that would be a decent option, at least for the back - a veneer or thin layer over another thin layer of maple or something similarly strong.
Click to expand...

Yeah, those are all options.

I'm also considering taking a "solid" body of ash and "tubbing" the chambers into it. The back and sides would then be one piece (bookmatched). If I do this, then I would round-over the back while I was at it.

I could then attached a fully spalted top without any concerns.

This is unfortunate, but I'm actually glad now because I can revise the body and the guitar will only be better in the end.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back