Starting a DB Project

[Matthew Tucker]

Well Ruben that one looks very OK to me as a project restoration.

But yes you could make a cannotto/savart design and you don't need autocad to do it. Just scale it up by hand! It would be easier to build than a conventional DB.

However, I suspect that when you have finished, you will regret not having spent more time and money on making a real DB!

[Thomas Erickson]

THat doesn't even look like it needs much restoration, just a little work to put it together... maybe a nice project!

[Thomas Erickson]

Oh, and if you're like me, trying to put basses into something like autoCAD is about the biggest waste of time ever! But, I'm no engineer either; I have a scientific calculator but I barely know how to use it... It is interesting, however, to actually measure as many instruments as you can. I always mean to write them down and don't, but still, you get some insights into why things work the way they do that you might otherwise overlook.

Actually, that brings me to another comment - make a point of trying to draw and carve every day - even if it's just sketches and whittling it will help develop your eye, as well as coordination, muscles, sense of proportions, understanding of wood, everything. Plus it forces you to sharpen your tools a lot.

Kind of like how just playing basses and listening to music all the time will make you a better musician, even at times when you're not practicing for hours on end every day.

[Ruben E garcia]

U guys know anything about this particular DB?

from the picture I cant tell if is a ply or carved top

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

[Thomas Erickson]

I'd say go have a look at it, if close by... Can't tell from the photos on the ad if it is solid or laminated.

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by Thomas Erickson

I'd say go have a look at it, if close by... Can't tell from the photos on the ad if it is solid or laminated.

I sent an email to the seller asking about the top...
but about the maker: Curt Wunderlich Detroit. Made in Czechosovakia.. does it ring a bell?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

In my opinion you need to get (and read) the Violin Repair book by Hans Weisshar. It is considered the "bible" for string instrument repair, and will not teach you bad habits. My thanks to Jeff Bollbach for turning me on to this great resource many years ago.

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by wayne holmes

I think you did really good if it's carved. Good pictures. In some places it looks carved and in others I think that I see more than one layer.

One has to be impressed, inspired and even encouraged by your obvious passion and persistance.

There are a couple of things that stand out to me that lead me to believe that it had a pretty good maker and that it wasn't the cheapest model made in its day. The purfling is impressive if its inlayed and not painted on later. And, my experience has been that if you see a neck that has grain as the neck of your bass does, that the maker thought the bass worthy of a more expensive neck.

I wonder, since the neck looks long to me, if the scale length is a 43.5 inches.

You're on your way Ruben. Proud of you and happy for you!

Thank you Wayne I am following your advice, and every one good advise on this forum for pointing me in the right direction.
Now I need a good book about the subject…
Now the front is carve for sure and the back I think it have to be carve too (In my opinion), why because the curve, and the joint in the middle, you can also see in the label picture the little squares running thru all the back plate.

Well the dude say it was 41” not too sure I will measure and I’ll let you know

[Eric Hochberg]

Ruben, when a master luthier like Arnold Schnitzer suggests something, you really need to take it seriously and thank him for taking the time to help you. If you're planning on being a luthier that does fine work, you are probably going to have to invest some money in your education. Find the book used if you can. Why don't you look into apprenticing with someone?

I only jump in here because I know the futile feeling of trying to help people on forums and then either being rebuffed or ignored. Good luck with your project.

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

Ruben, when a master luthier like Arnold Schnitzer suggests something, you really need to take it seriously and thank him for taking the time to help you. If you're planning on being a luthier that does fine work, you are probably going to have to invest some money in your education. Find the book used if you can. Why don't you look into apprenticing with someone?

I only jump in here because I know the futile feeling of trying to help people on forums and then either being rebuffed or ignored. Good luck with your project.

Thank you for pointing that… I very humbly apologize if I came across like dismissing anybody advise… I do have an deep admiration for one an every one of you guys… and that’s why I am here seeking for your advise…I wish I could have that book, trust me I was looking for it… I am checking up all that you guys suggest, and I going to see and local luthier as soon as possible too…

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

Well Ruben that one looks very OK to me as a project restoration.

But yes you could make a cannotto/savart design and you don't need autocad to do it. Just scale it up by hand! It would be easier to build than a conventional DB.

However, I suspect that when you have finished, you will regret not having spent more time and money on making a real DB!

That’s what I was thinking too… but I was trying to find a project more in line with my skills.
For now it makes more sense to restore, to play, own a DB and then try to build one…
PS… how is the cornerless Castelvecchio doing???, I love the looks of that DB… seems a little less complicated to make that an traditional DB?
Not that I’m trying to make one… at least not yet J
I got really inspired by your project

[Matthew Tucker]

It's going just fine. My best sounding bass. But in fact it was a little harder to make, as the rib garland is not as rigid as a "normal" bass with corners.

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

It's going just fine. My best sounding bass. But in fact it was a little harder to make, as the rib garland is not as rigid as a "normal" bass with corners.

That DB is beautifull congrats....
I other news I'm inquiring more info about the Craig list bass, I am waiting for them to answer, seems like a nice one

[Ruben E garcia]

Meet my project... I got the craiglist bass, the guy who sold it, was a very nice guy... he thinks is a pre-WWII bass... looks old to me... but what I know... is top carve... spruce I assume... back carve... maple I think... got some ebony trin, in one side in the other side.... wood filler, got some cracks on the ribs and there is a patch on one rib also... has a crack at the bottom front, looks like someone made some repairs on it... i dont see any repairs inside the bass...
here are some pictures...PS the guy also gave me the sound post... and a nice ebony tailpiece



You can see the cracks at the bottom front


Ebony end Pin


the back has a litle opening too




I dont know if you can see there is a crack on this rip



a patch



the machines are very smooth

[Ruben E garcia]

the neck looks fine, some figured wood, maple right???



The ebony trim



the front







the back





Now the question is... did i do good? any comments???

Where do i start... I want to make the bass playable... I am more concern about the playability of the bass than the looks... I think the distress look with a litle TLC is better than a new looking bass.. I guess I dont want to make unesesary repairs, that at the end decrement the quality of this instrument.... I LOVE IT....

one more thing I guess I need a book that taugh me how to repair DB's... what u guys recomend?