Starting a DB Project

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by wayne holmes

Ruben, to be totally honest with you, there is something missing in all this. Can't put my finger on it- do you play the double bass, or any type of violin? I am sure that there are some who might build an airplane, and never fly it, but usally they will know how to fly it-I say- usually.

If you don't play the instrument that you have a passion to build, I would recommend that we back up about a year of double bass lessons. Make sense?

I don't want to superimpose my or anyone's experience onto you, but there is something not connecting in all this. I tried to send you a PM but you have an unlisted one(or whatever)--- this makes it hard to point out these personal impressions that I have and I don't want to offend you, but rather would like to help you.

No Men I don’t take any advise as bad or get offended, u are right, I never owned an DB, and this is part of the problem, yes I do agree I need to buy one, and if I did learn something from talking to you guys… is that I need one… I’m going to be looking for a DB to restore and learn how to play … by the way u can email me to rg3570@att.com

On the other hand I need to start from somewhere and that place is here, asking the pros opinions

[Ruben E garcia]

Hey there… its being so long since we havent spoke… what about modifing this Canotto Bass to 41", that's looks like a good staring point
http://www.liutaiomottola.com/instruments/canotto.htm

[Thomas Erickson]

I would suggest forgetting about all those machines for a while; maybe get a few decent quality hand tools and just focus on learning to use and sharpen them. Sharpening is an art all on its own, and without sharp tools nothing gets done...

maybe start with a plywood bass to restore.

I dunno Wayne, I tend to think plywood is a whole other can of worms (one that I don't want to deal with, generally); there are lots of cheap broken basses out there these days that are still made from solid wood and could make a good project...

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by Thomas Erickson

I would suggest forgetting about all those machines for a while; maybe get a few decent quality hand tools and just focus on learning to use and sharpen them. Sharpening is an art all on its own, and without sharp tools nothing gets done...



I dunno Wayne, I tend to think plywood is a whole other can of worms (one that I don't want to deal with, generally); there are lots of cheap broken basses out there these days that are still made from solid wood and could make a good project...

I do agree, but jointing and planing wood its very hard by hand. Do u guys do it by hand?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Violin family instruments are traditionally made completely with hand tools. You cannot make a perfect joint directly from a machine; and if you plan to make instruments using hide glue, and that will last for centuries, joints must be perfect. I'm in total agreement with Thomas that you don't need more machinery, but rather hand tools and the skills to sharpen and utilize them. Yes, we luthiers have power tools, but they are only used to save time and sweat, not to do the important work. I hope this is helpful.

[Thomas Erickson]

Yes of course, it is always raining here. Tis why we all wear wool socks with sandals!

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by wayne holmes

are we still trying to guide Ruben with his last inquiry about changing the scale length of a bass from 34 to 41?

what Thomas and Arnold say is true, except the part about carved over Ply to start with,IMO but I don't make the connection with Ruben wanting to stretch the neck of a bass.

When I started restoring basses I had a few carved and one plywood. My mentor suggested that I start with the plywood because of the risk involved to do damage; it would be better to damage a cheap plywood rather that a carved that would have the potential of being worth 3 times as much as the ply. It made sense to me and I think that it was very advice. So, I pass it on to Ruben. I realize that not everyone has the same experience.

Thomas-- what machines are you talking about?---is it raining out there?

Ok I got it bad idea....!!! but my idea was to take the construction method of the Canotto (Very simple), and redesign it to an 41" Upright... meaning going back to Auto cad and start from scratch…then when I done with the design I could get it back to you guys for debate… but trust me I am also looking for a upright to restore I haven’t be able to find something to work on, I have make a couple inquires about some DB’s to repair… but unfortunate, I am very limit on what I can buy

[Ruben E garcia]

May be something like this:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/msg/2025308543.html