Maybe a padauk winder, similar to the pegs you've already made. If it sticks through the shell you could put a hole through it for a pin to stick through, and a pair of stops that would catch the pin. You wind the ends of the rope on it, on the outside of the shell, then while holding it taught stick the pin through on the inside so it can't unwind.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
WBO 23 - Certandan Deep Strings
- Thread starter Flamingo21
- Start date
Many of the old style (pre-modern) drums use gut or leather 'strings' to pull the top tight, as when they are wet, they can be tightened up a lot more, and when they dry out, they shrink tightening it even further. Same with the drumskin. I'll caveat this by stating that I've never built one this way and have no clear reliable idea what I'm talking about. 
This tensioning system appeals to me for its simplicity.
Found a rope that may fit that idea, it's rather rough:
Mocked up, like I did with the other rope:
Mocked up, like I did with the other rope:
Thank you! Here it is in full:
It was made entirely from leftovers. There's a prototype mandola there that's also made of leftovers. To the upper right is Chemicals Corner. This isn't because of either kids or pets, but because it's the only place in the workshop that never gets any sunlight.
Last edited:
I don't know what's happening right now, but I like it.
From the start, I've said that I wanted to build my own bow for this bass. So, welcome to Archetier's Corner. 
Firstly, I wanted to build a prototype. I needed to see if I can accomplish two things:
- to attach the hair in the traditional way, so it can be taken off again.
- a reliable way to tension the bow before playing, and un-tension afterwards.
I think I've had some success on both counts. Unfortunately, the bass isn't yet at a point where this can be tested.
Please close your eyes now, for here comes the ugliest thing ever shown here.
Firstly, I wanted to build a prototype. I needed to see if I can accomplish two things:
- to attach the hair in the traditional way, so it can be taken off again.
- a reliable way to tension the bow before playing, and un-tension afterwards.
I think I've had some success on both counts. Unfortunately, the bass isn't yet at a point where this can be tested.
Please close your eyes now, for here comes the ugliest thing ever shown here.
Last edited:
If you added a threaded insert on the tail block, made the hinge able to slide, you could add a screw at the end to add tension once the block is folded closed.
I did consider it. But for this project, any visible screw is an anachronism. So I thought I'd try something different, and I came up with this basically on the fly. If I want a higher tension I can add a shim. This would require a new fastening hook.
It is not a true hinge, by the way. It is a separate part, it just happens to touch the stem in that photo.
I couldn't resist trying the thing on my viola. Here's a fifteen second video. It sounds bad, but then a bass bow on a viola will always sound bad, because the two instruments are so different. But at least I now know that the bow works. 
https://youtube.com/shorts/vL4rfOUjDYA?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/vL4rfOUjDYA?feature=share
I like the bow design, especially the tensioning mechanism. It is an interesting challenge to stick to period-correct hardware and mechanisms.
However, the Certandan deep string are a rhythmic instrument that I imagine would be played with some gusto. Instead of the wooden double-pin that holds the end of the bow in place, how about using an antique latch to tighten the bow? The basic idea of tensioning would stay the same. To make sure the alignment between the two pieces is good, you could still include a tongue or pin, so that it doesn't slide out sideways.
Here's what I'm thinking about (minus the screws of course):
I found this one here: 1 sets - (S) latch hook Hinge small mini Antique wood box Catch Decorative A7 | eBay , but I'm sure there's a few different options.
However, the Certandan deep string are a rhythmic instrument that I imagine would be played with some gusto. Instead of the wooden double-pin that holds the end of the bow in place, how about using an antique latch to tighten the bow? The basic idea of tensioning would stay the same. To make sure the alignment between the two pieces is good, you could still include a tongue or pin, so that it doesn't slide out sideways.
Here's what I'm thinking about (minus the screws of course):
I found this one here: 1 sets - (S) latch hook Hinge small mini Antique wood box Catch Decorative A7 | eBay , but I'm sure there's a few different options.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
I may actually have one of those stashed in a pile of random stuff somewhere.Here's what I'm thinking about:
Screws date back to the Romans. Torx heads are out, though.
