Double Bass Replacing back and ribs

[Dave Irwin]

Here's a wide open question..
What kind of cost would I be looking at to restore a bass that is all good except ribs and back.
Assumptions:
Flat back
Lower end wood maybe poplar, but carved
Varnish reasonably matches or compliments the top.

If a anyone out there has done this and could give an example cost great, or maybe could guess in terms of % cost of a build?

 

[Dave Irwin]

Got some feedback that the ribs would be more pricey than the back. maybe 3.5k for the back...

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Better to donate the top and neck to a carcass that needs them. I've seen it done.

Are we talking about a pedigree instrument?

 

[Dave Irwin]

Not but I wouldnt want to lose the top and rest of the bass.
I understand the back is only painfully expensive but the ribs are killer expensive so that kind of answers it.
Thanks
Dave

 

[james condino]

For a back and a complete rib garland, figure about 1/3 the cost of a new custom bass. I think that the harder part is finding somone who has the skills to build that much of a bass who does not want to just finish the rest and put their own name and label on it!

j.
www.condino.com

 

[notabene]

How bad are the ribs? How bad the back? Bringing existing wood together (cracks) is a lot easier than filling in/replacing missing wood.

Steven

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Would the top fit on a pattern from a factory like Shen, Strunal, etc? That could be a less expensive way to go.

 

[Dave Irwin]

Thanks but in this case alternative solutions wouldnt work and Mr
Condino answered the cost question.

Thx again