Mystery Cello 1670?

[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