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Starting a DB Project
In advance I have to thank you all for all the help that I’ve being getting from this here and there… I’m in the process of planning my first acoustic build, with limited resources and experience (Sound like a great combination), and ¾ DB, carved top and back, may be a hybrid… here is my initial development plan:
1-Buy a good book “So ... You Want To Build a Double Bass by Peter Chandler” 2-Get a workshop on making an acoustic guitar, lets say I do live in Atlanta Ga, don’t want to spend a fortune “Woodcraft” have a $600 workshop for that. 3-Get an DB beyond repair, I figured is somebody have a shop they may have a DB that is in un-reparable and get it for a good price (ANY ONE OUT THERE) 4. USE SPRUCE for the top and MAPLE for the back 5. I have no clue just yet So what do you think about my super plan? |
#2
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That's a wise advise, I really haven’t tried to find out a mentor... if u were a little closer I will stop by to bug u a little , but I can give u a call for advise, I really can use some. On the TB forum one guy suggest a similar approach, buy a beat up ply DB, made a carve top and replace it… that could be a good start, I will have the chance to see first hand how is build, I will do the setup… it may take me closer to a build, I may actually improve the instrument |
#3
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[quote=wayne holmes;20553]
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On the other hand I need to start from somewhere and that place is here, asking the pros opinions |
#5
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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 |
#6
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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...
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#8
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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.
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#9
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Yes of course, it is always raining here. Tis why we all wear wool socks with sandals!
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#12
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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! |
#13
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THat doesn't even look like it needs much restoration, just a little work to put it together... maybe a nice project!
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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. |
#15
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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 Last edited by Ruben E garcia; 10-26-2010 at 10:05 PM. |
#16
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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.
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#17
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but about the maker: Curt Wunderlich Detroit. Made in Czechosovakia.. does it ring a bell? |
#18
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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 |
#19
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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.
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#20
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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 |
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