French Bass full restoration

[Matthew Tucker]

All good points Ken.

On the other hand, a fingerboard is a much bigger chunk of ebony, glued to a smaller chunk of maple. So the movement is going to be more significant there.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

All good points Ken.

On the other hand, a fingerboard is a much bigger chunk of ebony, glued to a smaller chunk of maple. So the movement is going to be more significant there.

Lol, for sure but to find out, you might have to live a bit longer than the rest of us.

[Matthew Tucker]

Don't worry Ken. I'm planning to!



And May the Fourth be with you.

[Chet Bishop]

Well, Matthew, I had missed almost all of this great thread, so I have spent the time to sit and read through every post. Very engaging, fascinating stuff.

I'm looking forward to seeing the final product. I hope to begin another bass this month, but there have been a number of developments lately that might make me postpone again. (Sure hope not-- it has been five years sunce I finished the last one...)

Press on, my friend!

Chet Bishop

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Matthew, how's that neck coming?

[Matthew Tucker]

Not much change since you last saw it at Oberlin!



As you may recall, after gluing the bits together again



I let Robbie loose with his jig



and before too long the mortise was formed.



then we cleaned up the nice grafting block you sold me



made some more fluffy shavings and chalk dust



and fit the neck nicely into the mortise





It made it back here with the rest of my tools and tonewood, in one piece and without grief from customs officials



and is now on my second bench waiting for the weekend when i can crank up the bandsaw to cut some new cheeks.

[Brian Gencarelli]

That's great! I was wondering how you made out with the travel case. It was a pleasure sharing a bench with you. Got to see the process up close and personal.

Can't wait to see it recheeked and all finished!

Best,
Brian