Double Bass Restoring 1940s Gibson B-125

[SaltinesOnIce]

Hey all.
This morning a super cool project came into my life. I work as a band instrument repair tech but I'm primarily a double bassist, and long story short, I got this busted up Gibson B-125 from (I believe) 1941, for free! So I figured I should share it with anyone who is interested, and I'd like to do my best to restore it, but I'm kind of at a loss. I mostly work on wind and brass, but I have the all the shops tools at my disposal. The major concern is that the neck is in pretty rough shape, especially where it connects to the shoulder. The scroll is busted off of the head as well, and it looks like there is a small gap on the bottom at both the front and back. There are also a couple gouges and chips on the body, but for the most part the body looks to be in pretty good shape, and the soundpost is rattling around on the inside. It looks like everything is still original except maybe the bridge, but I'll need to get an endpin.

I'd like to do my best to get it into a playable condition. It's probably going to be a pretty lengthy process, but I intend to document it and post it on this site for fun. If anyone has any tips or questions or concerns please feel free to contribute!

 

[james condino]

Where are you located?

Those Gibson necks were a bit funky. Every one I have seen, (approx. 6 total), is a long scale with an E flat heel.

Santa may have just come a day early:

I have what I believe to be the only known factory original Gibson B125 bass neck - NEVER INSTALLED - on the planet, here at the shop in my spare parts pile. It is in excellent condition, patiently awaiting an original body in need. Hit me up if it is something you may be interested in and we should be able to work out the details.

I suspect that those necks and the original tailpiece were made at the old Epiphone factory and were part of the reason why Gibson bought Epiphone back in the day.

 

[Ed S]

I got this busted up Gibson B-125 from (I believe) 1941, for free!

Looking at those pics - is it possible you overpaid?

Just kidding. Good luck with the repairs. And keep the pics coming!

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Oof. I strongly advise you to pay James whatever he asks for the neck, and smile while you do it. What’s left of the original neck is badly contaminated with what looks like superglue and is almost certainly ruined.

Your alternative is ordering a neck blank from a lutheirie supply shop which will be plain maple without the cool stripe. Then you get to fit and shoot a fingerboard before you’re lucky enough to make a decision about varnish.

Big job, but that instrument deserves to be saved if at all possible.