bass bar types ?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Adrian Levi

I have another question that I want to throw out there about bass bars .

Surely a bass bar with the least amount of mass possible ( ie the smallest dimensions possible ) would be a 'better sounding' bar. Obviously a bar has to provide the optimal support for a top and so it has to have some mass , but luthiers are often talking about adding as few cleats as possible to cracks as not to add too much extra mass to the top ,in order to let the top vibrate to its full potential....

The upside to an undersized bass bar is increased volume and bass response. The downside is increased wolf tones and unevenness. Also, a bass bar that is too weak will lead quickly to collapsing of the top table on the E-string side. Sizing and placing the bass bar just right is a difficult task. Tools I personally use for this task include ruler, protractor, calculator and Ouija board.