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Double Bass Pitch Pockets: aesthetic issue only, or structural/sound issue?

Basschair

Basschair

..............
Supporting Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,523
24
Stockton, Ca
#1
Hi all,

I'm thinking about picking up some top wood that is expected to have a pitch pocket or two in it. 1stbass has recommended a fix for it, but I've been wondering about the question from the thread title: are pitch pockets mainly an aesthetic issue, or will they cause structural/functional/sound issues? Are tops with these pockets more prone to cracking or irregular movement of the wood in general?
 
#3
I bought two sitka tops from Bruce Harvey which were suppose to have pitch pockets, and the one I just used ended up with none showing on the front and just a little of one showing on the backside of the front. I maybe should have put cleats above and below it to be safe. On the other one there is enough height at the center to allow me to rip a few inches off the center seam and not have any pitch pockets within the pattern. I know this doesn't really answer your question either, but it just might not be an issue.
 
#4
Matthew Tucker said:
Paul,

Didn't Fagin have the last word on these?

"In this life, one thing counts
In the bank, large amounts
I'm afraid these don't grow on trees,
You've gotta pitch-pocket or two"

but I'm afraid this doesn't help you much
Click to expand...


Smart-butt
:D


Don Harris said:
I bought two sitka tops from Bruce Harvey which were suppose to have pitch pockets, and the one I just used ended up with none showing on the front and just a little of one showing on the backside of the front. I maybe should have put cleats above and below it to be safe. On the other one there is enough height at the center to allow me to rip a few inches off the center seam and not have any pitch pockets within the pattern. I know this doesn't really answer your question either, but it just might not be an issue.
Click to expand...

Actually, it helps in a way because it's encouraging. I figured that even if I didn't do the aesthetic fix, I could use cleats to reinforce from the inside.
 
#8
Basschair said:
Hi all,

I'm thinking about picking up some top wood that is expected to have a pitch pocket or two in it. 1stbass has recommended a fix for it, but I've been wondering about the question from the thread title: are pitch pockets mainly an aesthetic issue, or will they cause structural/functional/sound issues? Are tops with these pockets more prone to cracking or irregular movement of the wood in general?
Click to expand...
As long as they are small, it is more of an aesthetics issue. I know some makers will make a little football shape inlay over the pitch pocket, but unless it is done perfectly matching the grain, I think it draws your eyes to it more than just leaving the pocket(s) as is.
 
#9
Bob Branstetter said:
As long as they are small, it is more of an aesthetics issue. I know some makers will make a little football shape inlay over the pitch pocket, but unless it is done perfectly matching the grain, I think it draws your eyes to it more than just leaving the pocket(s) as is.
Click to expand...


Thanks Bob: I'm going to order the top and make the call when it gets here. Since the bass is for me, I'm okay with leaving them alone.
 

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