new back?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Ken McKay

You can prevent future cracking by proper cross grain gluing, done at proper relative humidity, when glued with overly dried back wood, with a dome shape. Plus, you have to know your wood! Live and sleep with it is best.

Ken, I agree that controlling the moisture content of the wood, and gluing up in a low RH atmosphere helps, but there will still be problems if the bass lives in an environment where the temperature and humidity go through large swings. Not to mention the fact that gluing in the crossbars re-introduces water into the wood. Owners of flat-backed basses with crossbars (who live in temperate areas) should expect occasional loose braces and cracks; it's par for the course.