cloth or cleat ?
 

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.

both..
 

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/double...n/IMG_1648.jpg
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/double...n/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.