lowlandtrees

I get what your saying but this bass has only gigged max 10 times…I have 60s German three quarter and an ancient Hawkes. It’s permanently on a stand and rarely moved so no knocks, dings etc. It’s sometimes in full sun!…..I keep my other instruments in the shade. I can’t see any reason…other than the slap as to why this would happen. I’m thinking that it’s a poor lac job as stated. The older instruments look fine as relics but I don’t think damage would suit this one

I read a bit about tung…it says that it penetrates into the wood? The strange thing is that the neck is in perfect condition.

I sometimes where my ring on my right hand and lightly tap on the fb but nowhere near the damage

Not sure if this post should be in Repairs and Tech? I have Kania De Gamba small bodied DB that I’m very happy with. It seems to be very easily sustaining damage to the top. Pics below. I use the bass for pizz as well as pluck and slap….which might explain the damage by the fb but it seems to be getting damage all over. It has been gigged 6/7 times over the 10 years I’ve had it. I have other DBs that are completely undamaged. It’s rarely in it’s case ….which is a very tight fit. Could it be the type of lacquer for example? Should I repair it before it gets worse? Should I somehow protect it (different lacquer?) Should I watch it crumble and disappear under my fingers and bow?

The Ho

NORMAN

Any folk out there know about drum stuff? I’ve had several pairs of these cheap drum brushes off evilbay….unfailingly they fall to bits within a month. I’m no drummer so don’t need a pro pair but what would be a half decent make?

Looking at the instrument again…Im wondering if the wire that holds the tailpiece has unwound or stretched. I think that I could maybe gain 50mm by shortening it. Would this affect the tuning/intonation?

I managed to remove the silks but still a problem if I change strings. Thanks…will look at these ideas…think I might be able to shorten (or replace)the wire holding the tailpiece. I did think about inserting spacers under the feet of the bridge but thought that this might mess with the sound? In saying that I guess the sound in small bodied bass comes from the connection between the bridge wood and the pick up? I use a K&K bassmaster. I have two other instruments…a three quarter and a full size but as get older I use the small bodied more and more. It’s so much easier to transport and tbh has a great sound. Tuning is a pain…I sometimes play with these guys who insist on tuning in 432 instead of 440…don’t ask.

The bridge under my D string has been cut too low. Is there anyway of correcting this without affecting the tone and tuning? Background is that it’s a small bodied bass with a 42inch scale and a very low bridge. What this means is the the string windings lie on the bridge and make tuning difficult….I tried peeling them off one set but wasn’t great. Currently strung with innovation nylons. Action is very low already so nothing to play with. Anyway, the D string is lower than I prefer. Could I put a sleeve on it for example and place it on the bridge? Cutting a new bridge out of the question.

I would definitely recommend a couple of face to face lessons with a good teacher. The technique for bowing is so subtle that even on-line lessons are limited IMO…. I say that as a mature (ok old git) that has taken up bowing after 10 years pizz. I found it very difficult to find a good teacher. In the end I had to contact various people for recommendations. My teacher is a retired classical pro….might be an idea to contact a nearby orchestra…being a pro musician is virtually impossible these days without supplementing their income with teaching.