Old & abused double bass reconstruction (as opposed to restoration). Help appreciated

[Owen]

Now we are talking! I polished mine up from years of grime with Chrome polish and a buffing wheel on my drill. I realise this is unorthodox, but it brought it up lovely!

[Beedster]

15 hours ago, Owen said:

Now we are talking! I polished mine up from years of grime with Chrome polish and a buffing wheel on my drill. I realise this is unorthodox, but it brought it up lovely!

Ha ha, I'm a fair way off that stage mate

 

Forgot the mention the scroll, which is held on to the headstock by the tuners only ....

 

 

[JPJ]

That looks like the “easier” fix 

[Beedster]

So, white vinegar works albeit slowly. All going well the neck's going back on tomorrow.......

[Mediocre Polymath]

Hello. I've just stumbled across this thread and I'm intrigued. Any updates @Beedster? I found myself in almost exactly the same situation with a perhaps even more battered old bass a few years ago, and managed to get it back into playable condition – I could probably provide some tips that would be helpful (and that would probably strike fear and dismay into a serious DB luthier).

Edited May 9, 2024 by Mediocre Polymath

[Happy Jack]

13 hours ago, Mediocre Polymath said:

Hello. I've just stumbled across this thread and I'm intrigued. Any updates? I found myself in almost exactly the same situation with a perhaps even more battered old bass a few years ago, and managed to get it back into playable condition – I could probably provide some tips that would be helpful (and that would probably strike fear and dismay into a serious DB luthier).

 

Are 2" woodscrews involved at all?

[Mediocre Polymath]

23 minutes ago, Happy Jack said:

 

Are 2" woodscrews involved at all?

No. But it does involve a carpet steamer and about half a litre of titebond

[Beedster]

20 hours ago, Mediocre Polymath said:

Hello. I've just stumbled across this thread and I'm intrigued. Any updates @Beedster? I found myself in almost exactly the same situation with a perhaps even more battered old bass a few years ago, and managed to get it back into playable condition – I could probably provide some tips that would be helpful (and that would probably strike fear and dismay into a serious DB luthier).

Thanks for posting, hope to update very soon…..

[Owen]

I have been holding my breath, but feel that I am about to burst.....

[Beedster]

Interestingly I’m still thinking this through Dennis Messner style. Do I

 

1. Use hide glue alone

2. Use bolts and hide glue

 

My gut feel is option 2…..

 

Either way I’m doing the work next week 👍

[Beedster]

In case the Messner reference was obscure….

 

https://www.theonion.com/beaver-overthinking-dam-1819568416

[Owen]

I am just glad I no longer need to hold my breath!