Double Bass Why do luthiers tend towards a neck graft?

[ricobasso]

Can anyone see why this repair had to turn into a neck graft?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

The neck set was $#!+ so something had to be done, and existing repairs to the old neck justified all that work?

 

[SAlcott]

The existing neck (IMO) looked too thin, especially for 5 strings. On top of that, there was evidence of a lot of repair at the bottom of the pegbox. A scroll graft keeps the character of the instrument intact while adding strength of a new neck; the overstand can be altered as well if needed.

 

[james condino]

In response to the thread title, most luthiers I know don't find a neck / scroll graft to be a particularly enjoyable task. It requires skill, precision, takes a lot of bench time and can be stressful. They are not the ones who choose it- the customers do 95% of the time because it is a cheaper option than getting a whole new neck made for a damaged bass. The secondary benefit is that you get to keep the original maker's scroll and vibe.

 

[Carl Hillman]

Can anyone see why this repair had to turn into a neck graft?

4-to-5-string conversion? Necessitating a thicker neck and wider fingerboard?

 

[DoubleMIDI]

4-to-5-string conversion? Necessitating a thicker neck and wider fingerboard?

I doubt that. If there is not the room for a fifth peg, making new holes makes the pegbox very weak.