Double Bass Top repair and long term problems

[Jason Kruska]

Hi to everyone

I currently have a very very big problem with my DB… The other day it got a vary bad injury on the top… There are about 4 or 5 long cracks and one of them exactly on the bass bar.

The instrument is at the luthier and I’m waiting for the news (he is taking a bit long to tell me how much for the repair… not a good sign. He already told me it is not going to be simple and the cost might be near to the value of the instrument.) I’m also waiting for the insurance company news to find out whether they will sustain the repair costs and to what amount.

So I’m here hoping and waiting for the news, heartbroken for I really love my instrument (indeed, Jason Kruska is not my name, it’s a name I gave to my DB…)


In your experience the repair of the top and changing the bass bar will alter the sound of the instrument? (assuming that the job is done by the professional of course)
Are there risks that the repaired cracks on the long run will create new problems?


Recently my instrument and I got really in a good relationship, and I was very happy with its sound, got an impression as the whole top was vibrating making this really beautiful feeling.. And, among other things, I’m afraid to lose it...

 

[jj.833]

Talking from my own experience with what a one year old kid can do to a bass: I don't think the sound will change, and if, then for the better. But when the luthier calls you about the price, don't forget to sit before you let him say it.
Good luck!

 

[David Potts]

It depends on where the cracks are and how they happened. If they resulted from a severe landing on the bridge then there is the likelihood that there will be a crack near or under/over the bridge foot/sound post along with a big dent on the inside. And is the crack immediately beside the bass bar(which is worse) or over it? Other long cracks away from these areas can be glued and patched OK. The centre seam can be reglued and patched too. The worst cases potentially are the first two that could require larger patches and a new bass bar and perhaps devalue the bass ongoing. There is also no guarantee that the sound will be the same afterwards because these patches are probably going to be big with new wood also in the bass bar.

People do go to extraordinary lengths to keep very old and valuable basses "on the road". In your case, without more info about the bass and its value, you are probably correct. The decision will be between you, the insurance company and the luthier.

I'm sure we will all keep everything crossed for a good outcome.

Best wishes, DP

 

[Jason Kruska]

Unfrotunatly yes, among the others, there Is a crack beside the bass bar...

The istrument is surely not a super high value, it is though a hand made wooden double bass, with an inusuale shape ... And that DB is like a brother to me

Indeed I'm terrified that they will agree to settle for the refund and not repair ..
And I do not want another DB

P.S. thanx a lot for your answer. And thanks for the best whishes... Let's hope..

 

[Jason Kruska]

I don't think the sound will change, and if, then for the better. But when the luthier calls you about the price, don't forget to sit before you let him say it.
Good luck!

Thx. It Is so stressfull, i know that both luthier and insurance employ are occupide and It all happend only 5 days ago with weekend in the middle and It Is objectivly very short period of time... (No, I'm not calling for the news, don't think It Is helpfull stressing them)
but It seems like ethernity while waiting and waiting.
I believe that time the luthier calls I will Be lying on the floor not even sitting

But you gave me some hope to stick to while waiting. Thx

 

[stefaniw80401]

Could be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes the best thing can be a new partner.

 

[Sam Reese]

It may be a good thing that it's taking a while for the luthier to contact you. I would hope your bass is being looked at very closely as to determine exactly what it's going to take to fix it.

 

[Jason Kruska]

Could be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes the best thing can be a new partner.

No, stefaniw ! It's like saying to a woman who's man is still on the operating table in ER that she'll find a new partner
Yeah, ok, he was not that handsome and he had a bad temper, but she's still in love, you just can not

Kiding... I know you are probably right... but my heart really hurts, and I'm afraid that I will not be able to wisely choose, for that DB was really a pall and a thing, so I know if there is even a smallest chance of repairing it I'll run for it.
And waiting is so damn killing me

 

[Sam Reese]

Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can, seldom seen in women, never seen in man (...Jason )

 

[Jason Kruska]

Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can, seldom seen in women, never seen in man (...Jason )

It may be a good thing that it's taking a while for the luthier to contact you. I would hope your bass is being looked at very closely as to determine exactly what it's going to take to fix it.

Let's hope so... thx

 

[Sam Reese]

I saved a solid wood old Czech Flatback. I had to wait at least 2-3 weeks before I heard from the luthier. Expensive repair, but worth it...really worth it.

 

[Sam Reese]

Welcome to TalkBass, Jason.

 

[stefaniw80401]

No, stefaniw ! It's like saying to a woman who's man is still on the operating table in ER that she'll find a new partner
Yeah, ok, he was not that handsome and he had a bad temper, but she's still in love, you just can not

Kiding... I know you are probably right... but my heart really hurts, and I'm afraid that I will not be able to wisely choose, for that DB was really a pall and a thing, so I know if there is even a smallest chance of repairing it I'll run for it.
And waiting is so damn killing me

I understand your pain. I had an old 60's vintage bohemian carved factory bass. I bought it used with a poorly repaired SP crack and it was my beloved partner for many years. Man, I loved the sound and feel of that bass. It was worth about $4,000. It had some quirks like crazy wolf tone, an extra thick FB, crumbling edges, and a weak carved in place bass bar. I got the SP crack properly repaired, it turned out fine, but it was an expensive repair. A year later I started looking at basses...a lot of basses...new, old, cheap, and expensive. That's when I realized that my old bohemian was holding me back, so I let her go and bought another instrument that got me through music school, won my first orchestra job, lots of freelance gig work and launched my teaching studio. It was the best decision I made at that time.

I have fond memories of that bohemian bass, and am grateful for it being my trusty partner for all those years, but I have NO regrets changing horses.

I guess what I'm trying to say is to not be crippled by fear, and embrace the new beginning, if that's what it comes down to.

 

[Jason Kruska]

In any case - guys thanks a lot for your words.
Learning that It happens, and that you got trough similar experience and It ended well makes me feel a bit better....

And Reese - thx for the welcome...

 

[David Potts]

What news do you have, good or bad? We are all eyes and ears !!

 

[Jason Kruska]

Thanks guys... so kind of you all
till now no news at all ... Took the appointment with insurance agente for the 3th of May to value the dammage... And luthier Is still away, so no news of the costs...
At least the good think Is that the event Is covered by insurance, so at least One parte o all repair will be covered.
In the meantime I'm testing my patience with a terribile sound e awfull setting rental DB... But ok. Trying to study as much as possibile so that when my DB comes home new and repaired he finds a bit more better musician then before....

 

[stefaniw80401]

Fantastic! What is your insurance carrier? Many are picky about covering not "maintenance" or "lack thereof" work.

 

[Jason Kruska]

Well, the fact is that the dammage was not my fault, It was a friend too eager to help that tried to move the DB from one room to another and ended app loosing it on the stairs... So in this case, at least in Italy, it is her personal insurance that takes it over (in this case It Is Generali group )
In theory, they should cover the dammage but not the improvments (meaning no new strings, no maintainance bit the luthier yes)

However now I think about finding a specific policy for the instrument, still have ti search for it

 

[LowG]

I advise to fix and cover the cost even if insurance couldn’t pay. I love old instruments and especially ones that I’ve gotten to know over years. I’ve been in similar situations with 2 basses and even paying myself am happy I had them repaired. Both ended up sounding even better after - as if the breaks released some internal tension or something.

But I’m a hobbyist with a regular job to make money. I don’t need to think about orchestra auditions or return on investment or resale.

 

[Jason Kruska]

I advise to fix and cover the cost even if insurance couldn’t pay.


...

But I’m a hobbyist with a regular job to make money. I don’t need to think about orchestra auditions or return on investment or resale.

It Is exactly the Plan. I wouldn't want a new DB not even if better.

The thing that worries me Is the sound After repair. In the last month I felt him really improved , more full, as if we finally hot It. Maybe it was me getting better, or it was both instrument and the musician comming finally together. Who knows when I get It back will the sound be similar... But yes, no matter what the insurance say, I'l go for repair of I can aford it...