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Double Bass Scrap Build

T

tatergreater

Mar 21, 2025
9
10
Bellingham, WA
#1
I'm looking to build a very inexpensive double bass out of more scrap like parts. I have access to plenty of woodworking tools I dont have much experience in luthier work (i've only really fixed some electric basses) but i'm really interested in learning the trade. Im currently in school but i dont have a job so money is tight but i have alot of free time, and i really want to try playing double bass but i can afford to buy one currently. I know it wouldn't sound anywhere near as good as a professionally made bass but i was wondering if it would be possible to build something that sounds somewhat alright out of more scrap like materials.

My current idea was to either cut a 55 gallon steel oil drum in half or use an old wheelbarrow bed for the back of the body and to laminate thin strips of wood (preferrably cedar or maple as i have those on hand) over some curved bracing to make the top with a bit of a bellied shape (not sure if there's a name for this) then i was going to rivet some blocks of wood to the outside edge of the oil drum/wheelbarrow and either screw, rivet or glue the top piece to the blocks. i'm thinking laminated maple for the neck and i was thinking of sanding down an old railing made of ironwood for the fret board. My initial thought to connect this was to weld bolts to the top of the oil drum/wheelbarrow body and bolt the neck on, im also thinking about cutting a hole in the top of the body and extending the neck through the body but im not completely sure on either of these. ive seen that the machine heads for these things can get pretty pricey so i was wondering if it'd be possible to use some old j-bass machine head copies i have from an electric bass? i figured i can cut out the bridge tailpiece and nut out of whatever wood would be best that i have around. I want to make the endpiece out of either all thread screwed into a nut welded onto the bottom of the bass, or make something similar to an adjustable ski pole or a crutch, if that makes any sense.

some questions i wanted to know are: Should i use a specific scale length for this? i was thinking id just do either 42" or 43". Will i need any specific parts/woods for this? I'm really hoping i can use just the woods and parts i have on hand but if these wouldnt work i can always get stuff at the lumberyard near my house. how would the body being mostly steel affect sound? and since one side is metal would it be acceptable to glue the soundpost to that side or should i try to keep it in place with pressure/tension?

I dont know much of the terminology so if that made it confusing i appologize, and i know i likely forgot some important details for building something like this. I'm planning to use this for bluegrass and possibly an alt rock band so i'm not too worried about it looking like a total jalopy being built like this. Any and all suggestions for this build and answers to my questions on here are greatly appreciated, thanks!
 
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#3
If you're serious about wanting to play a double bass and also about learning to build them, I'd suggest contacting your local double bass luthier and see if you might be able to help around his shop, perhaps in exchange for becoming an apprentice. Then you can watch how they are really built, and perhaps even learn a trade. Your enthusiasm about this deserves doing it right.

I did this same kind of thing related to other musical instruments as a young student and treasure the experience even now, 55 years later.
 
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#5
Don Hergert said:
If you're serious about wanting to play a double bass and also about learning to build them, I'd suggest contacting your local double bass luthier and see if you might be able to help around his shop, perhaps in exchange for becoming an apprentice. Then you can watch how they are really built, and perhaps even learn a trade. Your enthusiasm about this deserves doing it right.

I did this same kind of thing related to other musical instruments as a young student and treasure the experience even now, 55 years later.
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I really want to start an apprenticeship, that's the path ive been looking towards in the future, and i'm gonna try to check to see if i can get a job just helping around a local shop. Unfortunately i don't think i can become an apprentice yet as my state dosen't allow apprentices under 18 to work with power tool. Thank you so much for the suggestion and hearing it's a good experience makes me even more excited to attempt this path, my plan is to try to see if any local luthier's will be willing to take on an apprentice once i turn 18.
 
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#6
TG,

Where are you located? I looked under "About" in your profile and there's nada info.

Asking because there is a very healthy network of bass luthiers in North America and someone might be willing to have you help out in their shop. Don't get hung up on details about apprenticeships, as you could easily work in a shop without needing to use power tools.

Also, not sure how apprenticeships work in your neck of the woods, but a formal, documented apprenticeship arrangement is very unlikely. It's because there aren't unions for the luthiery profession - unlike how plumbing or electrician apprenticeships work - and it's a very niche line of work.

Having said that, it's a very delightful, very niche line of work! My recommendation is: don't delay, start today...
 
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#7
eh_train said:
TG,

Where are you located? I looked under "About" in your profile and there's nada info.

Asking because there is a very healthy network of bass luthiers in North America and someone might be willing to have you help out in their shop. Don't get hung up on details about apprenticeships, as you could easily work in a shop without needing to use power tools.

Also, not sure how apprenticeships work in your neck of the woods, but a formal, documented apprenticeship arrangement is very unlikely. It's because there aren't unions for the luthiery profession - unlike how plumbing or electrician apprenticeships work - and it's a very niche line of work.

Having said that, it's a very delightful, very niche line of work! My recommendation is: don't delay, start today...
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sorry, i still need to set up my about page i just created this account last night, but im located in Bellingham, Washington. And would you recommend i email the local shops? or would it be better to walk in and ask if they would be willing to have me help out?

And thank you i was a bit nervous to try getting into this trade but im getting very excited.
 
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#9
tatergreater said:
sorry, i still need to set up my about page i just created this account last night, but im located in Bellingham, Washington. And would you recommend i email the local shops? or would it be better to walk in and ask if they would be willing to have me help out?

And thank you i was a bit nervous to try getting into this trade but im getting very excited.
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I live in Bellingham. There aren’t any bass-specific people here but you could learn a thing by or two by talking to Cori at WindWorks or Dorothy at Allegro Strings in Fairhaven.

I have been getting bass work done by a luthier in Auburn named Ben Barnes. Sarah Balmforth (in North Seattle) is also good.

None of them build basses. The nearest builders I know of are John Koehler in Issaquah and another guy whose name I forgot but has sold his first few builds at the Bass Church.
 
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#10
shoot, i dont think i’ll be able to commute down to Seattle or Issaquah currently, but i’ll try to see if i can learn some stuff at windworks or Allegro. Windworks would be perfect cause i live super close to them. Do you know if Quist would be a good place to try? i’ve never been in there so i dont know much about them but i’ve heard they’re a cool place from one of my friends. Just asking cause i know i've seen basses in their windows.
 
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#11
tatergreater said:
shoot, i dont think i’ll be able to commute down to Seattle or Issaquah currently, but i’ll try to see if i can learn some stuff at windworks or Allegro. Windworks would be perfect cause i live super close to them. Do you know if Quist would be a good place to try? i’ve never been in there so i dont know much about them but i’ve heard they’re a cool place from one of my friends. Just asking cause i know i've seen basses in their windows.
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The people at Quist are really nice and knowledgeable. But I think they don't do much with basses and they send out a lot of their more complex work to a luthier somewhere else. I've heard good things about that person's work on cellos specifically, but he doesn't do basses to my knowledge. So nothing against Quist (my kids rent smaller instruments from them, they’re fantastic), but it's not what you're looking for.

The orchestra director at Bellingham High School made a cello, once, I think. If you're that close to WindWorks, you probably know him, and he might have some good advice for you.

Failing that, consider working on your woodworking skills by apprenticing with a cabinet maker. The (late) bass maker Al Jakstadt started in cabinets and transitioned to basses later on.
 
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#12
Many of the local music stores that cater to school students (sales, rentals, etc.), and also any local schools that have orchestras, probably have a preferred luthier for their string section repairs. If you ask those stores or ask those schools who they send their string section repairs to, you might be lucky enough to be able to make contact with that luthier.

Observing and possibly working with a luthier who repairs double basses is a good way to start out... It would be nice for you if it was within easy travel distance. Ideally you want a specialized double bass builder, but you may need to take what you can get until you are more mobile. Any chances to observe double bass work -- repair or building -- will be better than none at all.

Do your parents know about your interest in double bass? Their support could be instrumental (pun intended).

Best of luck with all this!
 
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#14
Mark_T said:
The people at Quist are really nice and knowledgeable. But I think they don't do much with basses and they send out a lot of their more complex work to a luthier somewhere else. I've heard good things about that person's work on cellos specifically, but he doesn't do basses to my knowledge. So nothing against Quist (my kids rent smaller instruments from them), but it's not what you're looking for.

The orchestra director at Bellingham High School made a cello, once, I think. If you're that close to WindWorks, you probably know him, and he might have some good advice for you.

Failing that, consider working on your woodworking skills by apprenticing with a cabinet maker. The (late) bass maker Al Jakstadt started in cabinets and transitioned to basses later on.
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Are you talking about Mr. Stroebel? I never knew he'd made a cello before, I'll definetely see if he can give me some advice.

I have some experience in woodworking with my dad but he's a carpenter so not exactly the fine woodworking I'd need but still a good start, i think.
 
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#15
tatergreater said:
Are you talking about Mr. Stroebel? I never knew he'd made a cello before, I'll definetely see if he can give me some advice.

I have some experience in woodworking with my dad but he's a carpenter so not exactly the fine woodworking I'd need but still a good start, i think.
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Yes, that's right. I could be wrong, but I think he had always wanted to and sometime in the last few years he did it.
 
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#16
Don Hergert said:
Many of the local music stores that cater to school students (sales, rentals, etc.), and also any local schools that have orchestras, probably have a preferred luthier for their string section repairs. If you ask those stores or ask those schools who they send their string section repairs to, you might be lucky enough to be able to make contact with that luthier.

Observing and possibly working with a luthier who repairs double basses is a good way to start out... It would be nice for you if it was within easy travel distance. Ideally you want a specialized double bass builder, but you may need to take what you can get until you are more mobile. Any chances to observe double bass work -- repair or building -- will be better than none at all.

Do your parents know about your interest in double bass? Their support could be instrumental (pun intended).

Best of luck with all this!
Click to expand...
I'll check if i can find any luthiers who specialize in double basses nearby, but if not im gonna find any type of luthier or maybe as Mark_T suggested a cabinet maker.

And yeah my parents know and wanna try to help me get something together for me to start learning
 
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#17
Mark_T said:
If you’re a student, the symphony has a concert this afternoon (shameless plug). Tickets for teenagers should be free with a paying adult or you can maybe get a cheap student rush ticket. Cori from WindWorks is one of the section cellists, Jim Quist is in the violas, and I’m playing in the bass section.
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I'll see if i can make it but unfortunately I have practice with my band today so im not sure if i can :(
 
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#19
It was many years ago, and I can't find the thread, but a TB'er built a bass from a set of instructions that started with joining a whole bunch of 2x4's together and carving the top from the resulting slab of wood. I recall he managed to snag a bunch of wood that he identified as spruce, since standard 2x4's cover a variety of species. The back was flat, and made from plywood.

He had a specific goal, namely to play a certain style of eastern European folk music. He kept us updated on his progress, and so far as I recall, he was successful.

I'd love it if someone knew how to find that thread.
 

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