• 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 Upright bass care kit?

C

CTbassist

Oct 29, 2008
26
0
#1
Hey guys, I just got my first upright bass today and i was wondering if you could tell me what are the necessities to taking care of an upright bass? Its all wood (maple and spruce) no laminates if that helps at all
 
#2
CTbassist said:
Hey guys, I just got my first upright bass today and i was wondering if you could tell me what are the necessities to taking care of an upright bass? Its all wood (maple and spruce) no laminates if that helps at all
Click to expand...

Oh, where to begin?! :)

Where do you live?
Is the bass new or old?
What kind of bass is it?

There are the usual humidity and temperature concerns. You can read tons of that information here. Put very simply, you want to avoid extremes and rapid swings.

Wipe off the strings after each use (at a minimum).
Use polish sparingly, if at all.
Use a good, padded case.
Never bump the bridge.
Winter/summer sound-post? Maybe-- maybe not.
Watch for open seams (or have your luthier check).
Don't lay the bass on it's back without supporting the neck block.

I'll let others take over now...
 
#7
Don't worry so much. We talk around here about all kinds of care related issues ('cause we've got time to kill on the interweb) but the truth is they are not as fragile as they seem. Take some common sense measures like not letting your dog chew on the wood (I've heard of that) or your kids decorate it with markers, paint, and stickers. Maybe humidify in the winter. That's really about it though. Otherwise just play.
 
#8
CTbassist said:
Hey guys, I just got my first upright bass today and i was wondering if you could tell me what are the necessities to taking care of an upright bass? Its all wood (maple and spruce) no laminates if that helps at all
Click to expand...

Here are a few not-so-obvious things.

- Careful how you store it. Park it on the floor on it's side - kicked is better than knocked over. Standing - in a corner face-in with shoulders touching. Be wary of stands, kids, balls, dogs, and drunks.

- Avoid temperature and humidity extremes.

- Careful how you carry it - don't lift it with the ff-hole or fingerboard end. Grab about a bout. Do not share the burden, you and your well-intentioned friend can go different ways to disastrous result.

- Avoid:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Have fun.
 
#9
gbaker said:
Be wary of stands...
Click to expand...

Gotta disagree with this one. I have a sturdy stand in a corner. Placing your bass face-in to a corner may be relatively safe, but, over time, you'll mar the finish where the bouts hit the wall.

Now, at a gig a stand could be far more dangerous than laying the bass down. Either way, you gotta watch out for clumsy folks who may find a way to knock it over.
 
#11
also to be avoided:

a)belt buckle...
b)greasy hands/fingers
c)the old "litchfield county two step" and faceplant when the bag hangs up on the scroll and endpin.
d)nest it on it's side never lean it on the sofa,chair etc even if it's just to answer the phone.(now you can expect calls since you have a dblbass ;))
e)rockabilly
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back