bass bar types ?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

Ok fair enough, so would you say that integral bars only ever appear in quickly-made cheap basses, and that the master makers never used integral bars?

No, I am not saying that. I am saying that if there is an Integral Bar even in a Strad, change it!

I have seen only one Italian Bass with an integral Bar but was not a famous maker. The corner blocks were small 1" sized pieces upper and lower in each joint and not top to back connecting the plates. Obviously a 'quicky' mentality.

It is rare today to find old instruments in their original state. Once opened for repair, a 'good' and sensible Luthier usually 'corrects' these short comings.

Show me a master grade instrument with an integral Bar, please!