Bass Repairs Needed

About

This set of photos helps to describe the repairs that are needed for my double bass. I am inviting luthiers to look at this page and to provide bids and comments to give me an idea of what to expect. My goal is to have this thing purring like a kitten (or roaring like a lion) by the end of this year. To begin viewing the images, please click on one of the thumbnails below. But please read the following for detailed info...

This 3/4 size bass is rumored to be Czech, circa 1900 to 1910. It has a wonderful sound, round tone, quite good for chamber & light orchestra. It has a wonderful back and top, and structurally the body is in great shape. I purchased this bass from my friend and teacher Curtis Burriss of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. in or around 1993. Due to the sad state of the neck, it has not been played much in recent years. With regular play and a good bow, this thing has a really excellent tone.

Neck, Scroll, and Fingerboard

The neck is where this thing needs the most work. The neck needs replacement. The story is that a previous owner of this instrument needed an orchestral bass for work in the Minnesota Orchestra, but the neck lengh was a bit too long. So this person had it grafed down. Later, it looks as though an older-style metal C extension device was added. The combination of these two events has virtually destroyed the neck. The neck is very unstable and the fingerboard comes loose regularly. The scroll has been gouged by the C extension.

Body

The body just needs some cosmetic work. There are some major dings along the purfling, including one that looks like a quite a good sized bite was taken out along the front edge of the belly. It has black tape on it right now which makes it unnoticeable on stage, but it's always on my subconcious mind. The top has some scratches that need a little attention, and there are no major cracks.

Endpin and Tailpiece

The endpin should be replaced with something more robust. I like to stand when playing and need an end pin that will do the job for an upright bassist. I think the tailpiece and wiring could be replaced with something a little nicer, too.

Goal

My goal here is to turn this into a great solo and chamber instrument. I am interested in retaining the C extension concept, but this is based on budget. I really like the Chromatic Low C Extension from Robertson Violins, and hope to go with that. The fact that the scroll is gouged out makes the idea of having a low C extension of some kind a more probable idea, just to cover up the mess in lieu of a scroll replacement. The list of items I want done here are:

I am also looking for a new bow. I play french bow and like Reid Hudson bows the best. If you have one for sale, please contact me.

Also, by day I am a professional web developer and designer. I am open to bartering or contracts for services if you need a world class website for your luthier business. To view my work, please visit my home page and browse around or check out some of the other work I have done. I promise great looking sites with fast download times, ease of use, and a professional marketing focus. But don't let all that scare you away. I will pay cash for this job.

Please cick an image below to begin viewing the images.

About This set of photos helps to describe the repairs that are needed for my double bass. I am inviting luthiers to look at this page and to provide bids and comments to give me an idea of what to expect. My goal is to have this thing purring like a kitten (or roaring like a lion) by the end of this year. To begin viewing the images, please click on one of the thumbnails below. But please read the following for detailed info... This 3/4 size bass is rumored to be Czech, circa 1900 to 1910. It has a wonderful sound, round tone, quite good for chamber & light orchestra. It has a wonderful back and top, and structurally the body is in great shape. I purchased this bass from my friend and teacher Curtis Burriss of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. in or around 1993. Due to the sad state of the neck, it has not been played much in recent years. With regular play and a good bow, this thing has a really excellent tone. Neck, Scroll, and Fingerboard The neck is where this thing needs the most work. The neck needs replacement. The story is that a previous owner of this instrument needed an orchestral bass for work in the Minnesota Orchestra, but the neck lengh was a bit too long. So this person had it grafed down. Later, it looks as though an older-style metal C extension device was added. The combination of these two events has virtually destroyed the neck. The neck is very unstable and the fingerboard comes loose regularly. The scroll has been gouged by the C extension. Body The body just needs some cosmetic work. There are some major dings along the purfling, including one that looks like a quite a good sized bite was taken out along the front edge of the belly. It has black tape on it right now which makes it unnoticeable on stage, but it's always on my subconcious mind. The top has some scratches that need a little attention, and there are no major cracks. Endpin and Tailpiece The endpin should be replaced with something more robust. I like to stand when playing and need an end pin that will do the job for an upright bassist. I think the tailpiece and wiring could be replaced with something a little nicer, too. Goal My goal here is to turn this into a great solo and chamber instrument. I am interested in retaining the C extension concept, but this is based on budget. I really like the Chromatic Low C Extension from Robertson Violins, and hope to go with that. The fact that the scroll is gouged out makes the idea of having a low C extension of some kind a more probable idea, just to cover up the mess in lieu of a scroll replacement. The list of items I want done here are: Neck Replacement - probably adding string length to make it what it originally was. This will probably improve tone quite a bit in the process. This is urgent. Fingerboard Extension & Possible Replacement - Fingerboard may be unsalvageable. At any rate, a reasonable extended fingerboard would be excellent for the solo playing. I would like the entire neck to be very playable, including upper registers. Fix Purfling on Top Piece - One or two spots will need to be built up. Scratches - Some touch up work on the top. C Extension - Preferring something like the Chromatic Low C Extension from Robertson Violins, as mentioned above, dependent on budget. New Bridge with choice risers End pin and tailpiece replacement I am also looking for a new bow. I play french bow and like Reid Hudson bows the best. If you have one for sale, please contact me. Also, by day I am a professional web developer and designer. I am open to bartering or contracts for services if you need a world class website for your luthier business. To view my work, please visit my home page and browse around or check out some of the other work I have done. I promise great looking sites with fast download times, ease of use, and a professional marketing focus. But don't let all that scare you away. I will pay cash for this job. Please cick an image below to begin viewing the images.