RESOLVED: Shipping a bass to Germany

[franzbassist]

The fingerboard on my Thomann bass is starting to come away from the neck.  They have agreed to repair it and cover return shipping, but I have to get it back to Germany for this to happen, and while I have a very nice soft case I don't own anything suitable to ship it in!

I remember the bass came in a very bespoke cardboard box, with all sorts of foam and odd shaped panels, but that went in the bin long ago.  Presumably I could hire a hard case, but if so, from where?  Any suggestions would be most welcome!

Oh and I did ask if they would cover the cost of a repair completed in the UK but they declined.  Maybe the easiest option is to get it sorted here anyway though: who's good in Hampshire/Surrey?

Thanks

Gareth

 

Edited May 2, 2018 by walbassist

[TheRev]

Get One of these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Double-Bass-black-and-cerise-purple-velvet-Hard-Case-/112962224782

I know international touring bassists who swear by them.

[Owen]

It is a very simple glue job. Packing it securely will cost more than getting it glued. The only extra expense will happen when the luthier asks if you want the board trued, a new bridge and soundpost. 

[philparker]

It would be cheaper to drive to Frome and get Martin Penning to sort it out properly for you?

[franzbassist]

Thanks for the replies.  Yes, I am inclined to just get it sorted here.

[petebassist]

I know zilch about luthery but I think they use animal glue that can be melted & maintained down the line. 

[NickA]

My dad was at one time (amongst other things) responsible for mending the 'cellos of Huntingdonshire schools.  There was often a pot of something smelly on the kitchen stove consisting of little grey pellets simmering in slimy juice; I always thought it was boiled down fish bones or something; certainly smelt that way!  It was probably this -> https://www.axminster.co.uk/liberon-pearl-glue-ax22992 .  The idea is that it comes un-stuck under the influence of steam.

Bloke at Andy's Guitar shop put an ebony board on my first electric bass - when I tried to remove the board to get at the truss rod, the board broke.  I asked what he'd used and he said Araldite, cause it won't come unstuck.  The good man spoke the truth .. it f*&ing didn't!

Edited April 30, 2018 by NickA
additional profanity

[Dad3353]

25 minutes ago, NickA said:

...Bloke at Andy's Guitar shop put an ebony board on my first electric bass...I asked what he'd used and he said Araldite, cause it won't come unstuck...

Not cool; the man's a fool. Many good instruments have been ruined by this sort of 'bodge'.
Just sayin'. 

[NickA]

Oh tell me about it; I pointed out to him that my 150 yr old db was held together with fish glue and he said "yeah well, it'll fall apart eventually".

I then wrecked the neck trying to plane the shards of ebony and glue off the maple.  New neck and board required; from now gone guitar maker Alan Marshall at Northworthy - but at least the truss rod works now .. and it's a very nice neck (super slim but still very stable) and back then was only £170.   Alan no longer makes guitars let alone basses, but his acoustic guitars cost £1000s if you can find one.

[franzbassist]

Update: Thomann have said I can have the bass repaired in the UK and they will just refund me direct

[TPJ]

Result. They do try to look after customers.

[geoffbassist]

On 02/05/2018 at 06:44, walbassist said:

Update: Thomann have said I can have the bass repaired in the UK and they will just refund me direct

That's great service from Thomann and certainly the right way to approach it in terms of cost and keeping both parties happy.