• 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.

Double Bass Suggestions for fixing up Palatino

T

tarim69

May 14, 2008
28
0
New York
#1
Hello all. Looking for some advice from some of the experts on this board.

I was given a Palatino acoustic DB for a present(cost was about $690). My soon to be brother in law and fiance got it for me. I'm well aware of the shortcomings of these chinese models, but as its a gift, Im really not going to complain, and look forward to get started doing something Ive always wanted to do..... learning to play the upright.

The strings need to replaced and Im also looking to replace the bridge for a adjustable one.

Heres my real question for those who are experienced.... do you think replacing fretboard with a good wood would be worth it to improve tone. I am getting a bit of buzz on the neck, and Im not sure what its made of, but was thinking a good replacement fingerboard wood might be a good idea.

I can prob get this done with minimal cost.I work for a luthier part time as Im back in school(we do finishing work for Spector, Veilette, Brian Moore, Crash,and many other guitar makers).

What would you guys suggest for fretboard wood? Im looking for a deeper tone, and will be using the DB for bluegrass, country and Irish music.

Opinions?

BTW, My boss has a 57 Kay hanging on the wall in pieces but wont sell it at any price :(
 
#2
I'm not any kind of expert but I do know that replacing a neck is very hard work and would cost about 4 times what that bass is worth. The buzzing you're getting could be from a number of things, my best guess without seing it is that the fingerboard needs dressing, the bridge may need to be replaced as well. Probobly best to show it to a bass luthier. I wouldn't replace the fingerboard if you didn't have to, those ebony palintino fingerboards are perfectly fine for your application and a new fingerboard would cost upwards of $1,000.
 
#4
Don't bother trying to replace anything big on it. Labor costs and parts will make it a senseless act. You'll only burn cash better spent on another bass. Replace the strings, get a pro setup done on it.

If anything I'd:
1) Replace the tail hanger if it has a metal one and use a nylon cord (like the one Velvet sells). Relatively cheap.
2) Maybe throw in the $ for a Marvin cable tailpiece. Not too expensive and you could use it on your next bass.
3) Take a hacksaw and cut off any excess metal that you're sure you won't be using off the endpin rod. Free!

All three things is about as far as you can go without blowing alot of money trying to improve the sound. I took all 3 steps with my hybrid Christopher. Beyond that, I'd sell it and get a better bass with the proceeds.
 
#5
Yeah, just get a setup by someone who knows double bass. Clean the bass well if it is second hand. As it has no frets, doublebass players call it a fingerboard instead of a fretboard. And replacing the fingerboard won't make a bit of difference to tone. But a good setup and good strings probably will. Don't try to get a setup done by a guitar luthier - you may end up with frets! Take it to a double bass luthier, who will also be able to advise you on what strings to get and what will suit the bass. Might also be able to recommend you a good teacher!
 
#6
Thanks guys. Ill skip the costly upgrades,change the bridge and strings and just concentrate on learning for now, with my eyes on a eventual upgrade once Im back to work and have learned the instrument.


And yea I was planning on looking for a teacher as well.
 
#7
I would get the bass setup and a decent set of strings ASAP. A well planed fingerboard feels great and having the strings at a comfortable height from the fingerboard will make playing a lot more comfortable. This can probably be achieved with the existing bridge. It will cost a bit to have the nut and bridge cut and the fingerboard dressed, but it will pay for itself in the amount of frustration it will save you practicing IMHO. Make sure it is done by someone who works on violin family instruments and preferably with a good reputation for bass work.
 
#9
The top plate of those basses are a hopeless case. I think they produce just one heavy hardwood plate, that gets used for both the front and the back of this instrument.

Better sounding plywood basses, usually have softer woods like poplar, for the top plate and are much thinner.

I would try the heavier Eva Pirazzi strings on that bass. Might be an improvement.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back