Scallopini...

[Ken Smith]

The repair skills needed here were extensive. The Bass was un-playable when I acquired it and only played it for about 30 seconds before de-tuning it and putting it in the rack for repair. I have had this bass for about 3 1/2 years now. A good part of the restoration was un-doing the previous bad work done and re-repairing the Top which was in need of some serious surgery. The job took about 3 years to complete working on the slow side at first and then continuously after all things settled. The main problem was the Top which is usually the most fragile part of the bass.

The String length was longer before with the previous neck in the bass. It is now reduced to about 41" mensur with a D-neck heel. The back had some minor repairs done as well near the angle break and I also had a quasi small center 'sound-post' brace installed like on a Flatback bass. I prefer having this done on all roundbacks whenever possible. The Ribs needed some work as well. What ever work that was good was left intact but there wasn't much of that so most everything was re-done.

The Bass is now beautifully restored and I will be breaking it in daily over the Summer. I hope to play it in Orchestra next season. For now, without a C-Extension. That might be added in the future but if this looks to be ideal for a soloist, I might just leave it as-is.