Mystery Cello 1670?

[Mike Weems]

Once again thanks for this info. I will restore this as a church bass and not try to make it into a cello. As mentioned a few posts ago it has a repair label in it from 1922 J Renwick Metheny. Also found a large hand written note on the back listing all the repairs he did to it all of which will have to be undone. Pretty horrific stuff. He was into old instrument stuff so I suspect that is where the 1670 hand written date came from. I don't like to criticize someone who is not here and over such a long time but man what a mess. I have posted some pics of the inside so you will see what I will have to deal with. As for my level I have been repairing and making violins and guitars for 29years god I can' believe how fast time goes. since the back has been cut of ie out of the grove in the back what I would like to do is to fully line the instrument add corner blocks and heel graft the neck so it can be converted to a typical neck joint with new neck block. As I have moved into restoration work I only restore Instruments that belong to me all the while be cognizant of prosperity. With forum like this Upton bass and others the restoration work I have done has come out quite well.

Thanking you again
Mike Weems

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Mike Weems

Once again thanks for this info. I will restore this as a church bass and not try to make it into a cello. As mentioned a few posts ago it has a repair label in it from 1922 J Renwick Metheny. Also found a large hand written note on the back listing all the repairs he did to it all of which will have to be undone. Pretty horrific stuff. He was into old instrument stuff so I suspect that is where the 1670 hand written date came from. I don't like to criticize someone who is not here and over such a long time but man what a mess. I have posted some pics of the inside so you will see what I will have to deal with. As for my level I have been repairing and making violins and guitars for 29years god I can' believe how fast time goes. since the back has been cut of ie out of the grove in the back what I would like to do is to fully line the instrument add corner blocks and heel graft the neck so it can be converted to a typical neck joint with new neck block. As I have moved into restoration work I only restore Instruments that belong to me all the while be cognizant of prosperity. With forum like this Upton bass and others the restoration work I have done has come out quite well.

Thanking you again
Mike Weems

I don't know what others you watch but look at some old basses on my site that have archived photos of the repairs. You need blocks where you don't have as well as linings. You need to cut all the old wood from the neck heel and see if it can be used or make a neck graft and get the length and heel done right. Those repairs by todays standards and even back then are quite horrible. Gut the instrument and do it all right.

My Prescott bass has signs of the ribs inserted into the back at least and maybe the top. The upper and lower bouts were cut down but I suspect it was blockless just like this cello.

Post restoration; http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/prescott/

Pre-restoration and restoration pics; http://www.kensmithbasses.com/double...t-preview.html

[Mike Weems]

That is what I plan to do. Your Prescott pics are where I started. Yes would like to save the old neck as that seams relatively unmarred. Want very much to save the extra volutes at the nut area because if it indeed is a Prescott he carved them. I can re-carve them of course but it won't be quite the same This instrument has always seam special to me thus finely decided to bring it back from the abyss.
Thanks again for all the help.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Mike Weems

That is what I plan to do. Your Prescott pics are where I started. Yes would like to save the old neck as that seams relatively unmarred. Want very much to save the extra volutes at the nut area because if it indeed is a Prescott he carved them. I can re-carve them of course but it won't be quite the same This instrument has always seam special to me thus finely decided to bring it back from the abyss.
Thanks again for all the help.

In a graft you never cut the button away. My JB Allen had a new neck and was re carved to look like it was all original. If the neck is too long, it will need replacing. I have had many basses with good necks that were just too long. A standard graft is the only solution or a false nut but that is an excuse not to do a full fix. I have made several false nuts as well, my self!

Look here at the Allen and see that most of the bottom cheek box carving is new but blends perfectly by the button. No loss there. http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/allen/

[Mike Weems]

Sorry my meaning was not clear. I have done quite a few neck grafts. here is a pic that I should have sent with my last post. Again the neck is in good shape but if a graft becomes ness I will do it.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Mike Weems

Sorry my meaning was not clear. I have done quite a few neck grafts. here is a pic that I should have sent with my last post. Again the neck is in good shape but if a graft becomes ness I will do it.

That raised carving on the lower cheek is a fraction of complexity as compared to the JB Allen. That would be relatively easy to do. On the Allen, it's even scribed into the edge of the nut on both sides.




And also, note the crafty 3-to-4 string conversion.. 3 gear posts, 4 gears..



The varnish is all original by the way other then some touch up on the new wood and splices in some cracks on the ribs. Olde orange shellac with all the solvents long gone.

[Mike Weems]

Oh yes a volute is always easier to carve than a bead. Not afraid to carve it only speaking from originality stand point. This poor voyager has had too many alterations done to it already. But what ever it needs I'll do.

P.S.
Beautiful bass buy the way.

Thanks