Double Bass The Traeger Bass Book Is Here

[Eric Jackson]

Thank you, Bob Branstetter.
Others have said it more eloquently above, I too have benefitted greatly from your knowledge and willingness to share it. And your opinions.
Now I'm off to order the book.

 

[Nick Lloyd]

Thanks for the heads up, Bob. Hopefully it will have more information than a Bill O'Reilly TV transcript...

You will be missed.

 

[ctxbass]

I received the book today. It's an invaluable resource for any bassist, and I would imagine for any luthier too.

Many thanks to the Conservative Mid-Western Luthier for his recommendation.

 

[Ken McKay]

I hope you find your knee fully rehabilitated soon!!

Thanks for the excellent posts, arguments, guidance.

I am going to keep your emal address though.

Now off to order that book.

Ken

 

[Silversorcerer]

In one post, I directed a newcomer to "search the posts of Bob Branstetter" for an answer that you had covered in detail an in such a reasonable way. I will continue to search you out in the archive here where hopefully your answers can be shared again and again.

Thank-you always for inspiration and for introducing me to Strobel's work, and you can bet that new book is on my reading list. Best wishes always, Professor.

 

[Uncletoad]

Got that book today. I can't put it down! Outstanding! I've got to stop reading and get back to work.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Who will anybody argue with anymore?

...ummm.....

 

[Paul Warburton]

...ummm.....

Yeah...I don't think that'll be a problem

 

[Paul Warburton]

Arnold, dont worry.. we can fight like cats and dogs if it helps to make your day.. We can always kiss and make up the next day.. Did I say Kiss??.. Welll, you guys get the idea.. I hope.. Pleaseeeeee
Bob, I will miss you too old buddy.... I know we disagree about the Morelli thing. Get well soon so we can fight about it later when you are feeling better...lol
BTW, Arnold did a beautiful job restoring it. The Label looks original to the Bass and many other Basses just like it have been recently reported as being labelled Morellis as well. Go figure!!

Jeeze, Kenny Boy.......You got a one track mind. I do believe you're more obsessed than me.

 

[mchildree]

Got my copy on Friday...looks like a ton of knowledge packed into one book. Can't wait to start reading... On a strictly aesthetic level, is anyone else kind of surprised that a near-$100 book would not be hardcover???

 

[Damon Rondeau]

Nope. It's based on economics, and I seriously doubt anyone involved in this noble project (my book's still on the way) will make much dough. How big can the market be for a thorough treatment of acoustic bass repair and setup? Not very big. The publisher is banking on selling a copy to every one of us and not many more!

Soft covers don't really bother me. Cheap glued bindings that come apart bother me bigtime, but it's not seen all that often anymore.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

Just got my copy a few days ago and perused through the contents. Very interesting indeed.

Raised saddles, lighter gears, pitch matching for "optimization". Have any of you guys considered making these mods?

 

[Ken McKay]

Branstetter has!!!

 

[godoze]

where can i get this book ?

 

[erik II]

...The book is available primarily from the publisher Henry Strobel. The price including shipping is $94.00. New Yorkers will probably find the book available at Bill Merchants Shop...

I'm getting one... .

Thanks Bob.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

Branstetter has!!!

and... what'd he say?!?

 

[Ken McKay]

Bob Branstetter wrote an article on AO/ BO matching published in1997 in Michigan Violin Makers Association Newsletter (no 28) showing how to match two important resonances of the bass. He applied the method to the bass that had already been done with the violin. The main air resonance is AO and the resonace of the wood in the neck and fingerboard are usually fairly close in frequency. He showed how to match the two resonces. Traeger as you said also writes about matching these resonaces and takes it a step further with suggestions for the type of sound desired, for example he recommends against adding weight to the underside of a Jazz bass as it can mute the high end. With an orchestra bass Traeger says it is okay.

 

[Doug Ring]

Sorry to hijack a little, but that clear simple explanation of A0/B0 matching has me worried for a friend now!

He has realised that the neck on his Kay is too thin and gives him right hand pains, especially now he has arthritis. He was going to get a luthier to add strips to the back of the neck to flesh it out a little. But from what you've said, Ken, that could upset the A0/B0 balance and therefore the sound of the bass, right?

 

[Eric Jackson]

Having read Bob B.'s paper, I think you'll find that AO/BO matching is something suitable for hand made orchestra- quality basses, not assembly line entry- level plywoods, if only due to the cost involved.

That said, if your friend wants to fatten the neck of his Kay, I'd suggest he have a luthier add a wedge shaped shim between the neck and the fingerboard. It would add some thickness, possibly some sustain, definitely improve the fingerboard to body angle allowing a taller bridge, and possibly improve the AO/BO relationship.

 

[myrick]

bob - if you're still lurking hereabouts, let me join the deservedly long list of well-wishers posting above.

I have learned much from your many valuable posts hereabouts and especially enjoyed your and my occasional direct exchanges.

all the best to you and hope you will still drop by TBDB from time to time.

myrick

now, off to order that book you recommended so compellingly . . .