PaulKing

Omg … when the transfer folded over??? Disaster. Every bloody time

Not quite, but yeh low tension. I also have very strong fingers and play very hard... 😜: Evah Pirazzi Slaps, with a SlapStrings Gut-A-like Swingmaster G.

How badly do you want it played....?

The end 👍

Did you ever make an airfix kit as a kid?? You can do an open seam mate! You just need to get your hands on this stuff. Oh, and a cooking thermometer is a good idea but not essential.

Looking healthier this afternoon.

And so to bed.

Todays bit

Home straight… Bottom block fixed, bass bar reinforced, top going on. Slowly one step at a time. Leave it like this for 24hrs. Finish off tomorrow.

Home straight… Bottom block fixed, bass bar reinforced, top going on. Slowly one step at a time. Leave it like this for 24hrs. Finish off tomorrow.

Ha ha! Dr King is ready for you now… (evil cackle, snap of latex gloves etc)

Hey hello! Nah a whole load have been and gone since that one, I think it was an old flat back czech thing, part carved. 21st b’day pressie from my mum, first bass!

Tra la laa. Skipping forward through the tulips.

Yup this gap, and that front face of the block which was detached from the front. Also explains the angled end pin. Exactly as I deduced must be the case. You can all laugh at me when I'm head in hands with an expired bass and a top that wont glue back on straight... Or you can applaud as I proudly play it back to life! (fingers crossed)

In for a penny etc. Annoying creaking noise, source identified, trip to luthier, frightening estimate for diagnosis and repair, DIY aesthetic engaged. DB friends over the pond advise and encourage. What could go wrong? Its just wood and glue. And a £2k vintage collectors bass... Tools out, nerve held. Top off. Cat impressed. A little bit of splintering. Oops. Chance to clean up the inside, label was almost invisible under 80 years of grime. 1114 = 1937 The problem. Bottom block partially detached from ribs (and from front, removed). Bass bar reinforced (precautionary) with hot-hide-soaked calico. Hot hide liberally applied. Ribs heated and clamped. Broom handle is strut holding rib 'garland' open to avoid creep. Homemade spool clamps ready to go. 20 of them for under £30! (cf £180 at Allparts...) I like a challenge. The advice and encouragement I'm getting from caring pros has been amazing, essential and comforting. Wish me luck ... top refit next weekend probably. I want to leave that block clamped for a good week, with occasional heating to coax the ribs back into line. CAVEAT: IF YOU CAN AFFORD A LUTHIER, JUST PAY THEM!