View Full Version : cloth or cleat ?
Adrian Levi
12-11-2009, 10:59 AM
Hi , I have heard varying opinions on the use of wood cleats !
Some say that wooden cleats harm the tonal characteristics of a bass and the use of a fabric is the way to go .... but I see that nearly all the known luthiers seem to use wood cleats .
Any opinions and or info would be appreciated thanks.
Ken Smith
12-11-2009, 11:54 AM
Hi , I have heard varying opinions on the use of wood cleats !
Some say that wooden cleats harm the tonal characteristics of a bass and the use of a fabric is the way to go .... but I see that nearly all the known luthiers seem to use wood cleats .
Any opinions and or info would be appreciated thanks.
You can use both together. Wood where strength and form is needed and Linen/cloth where more coverage but supportive to the surrounding cleats is desired.
This bass is 195 years old to the day! The Restoration was done 3 years ago. This bass has since been sold.
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/gilkes/restoration/IMG_1648.jpg
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/gilkes/restoration/IMG_1651.jpg
I put some cloth/linen on some back cracks of an old Italian bass last year as a temp repair till it could be opened for a restoration. It held just fine.
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