Double Bass Peter Chandler plans...Eb or D necks?

[Tiern]

Hi All,

I tried posting this on the violins.ca forum and also emailed the store back in July but haven't had any replies.

I'm looking at buying one of Peter Chandler's plans and was wondering if anyone here could say if following model plans have D or Eb necks?

Panormo (3/4)
Gofriller (3/4)
John Lott Senior (3/4)

Thanks a mil

Tiern

 

[Christopher K]

Did you buy the plans already? If you did, you can look at the neck dimensions and string length to determine whether the neck will be E flat or D. I used Peter's book for my first bass and Geza's plans from GAL and have started on bass #2. #2 will be the French style bass that Peter drew; however, I modified the neck (and overall bass design) to shorten the string length as his was at about 1070 mm and I will be making a carved back. I can check to see what his original design was for that bass if you would like. I also have a copy of the pallotta plans that I can check. I don't have any of the three you mentioned though.

 

[Tiern]

Did you buy the plans already? If you did, you can look at the neck dimensions and string length to determine whether the neck will be E flat or D. I used Peter's book for my first bass and Geza's plans from GAL and have started on bass #2. #2 will be the French style bass that Peter drew; however, I modified the neck (and overall bass design) to shorten the string length as his was at about 1070 mm and I will be making a carved back. I can check to see what his original design was for that bass if you would like. I also have a copy of the pallotta plans that I can check. I don't have any of the three you mentioned though.

Thanks very much Christopher but don't worry about checking your plans. In the end I narrowed it down to two plans to go along with the book and put my order in on the weekend. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book and figured that, worst case, I could adapt whichever plan I choose (as you've suggested).

Thanks for your reply!

 

[Christopher K]

Good luck on your first build. I don't feel that Peter's plans and book explain quite everything or include enough detail about things such as chalk fitting necks and bass bars (and other details) but if you have an inclination to solve problems, ask questions and look at other resources (especially this forum), it is a very doable project (IMO)! Talking with professional makers, I also learned that most do not follow the same construction procedure such as "rough fitting" the neck. Check out American Lutherie (GAL) Journals #106 and #107 from Summer and Fall of 2011. I think you can order copies. Geza made his first bass using Peter's book as a guide. His top graduations are different than the ones you will see in Peter's book.

I know that this is a little off topic from your original question but I thought it worth sharing some thoughts based on my experience.

 

[Tiern]

Good luck on your first build. I don't feel that Peter's plans and book explain quite everything or include enough detail about things such as chalk fitting necks and bass bars (and other details) but if you have an inclination to solve problems, ask questions and look at other resources (especially this forum), it is a very doable project (IMO)! Talking with professional makers, I also learned that most do not follow the same construction procedure such as "rough fitting" the neck. Check out American Lutherie (GAL) Journals #106 and #107 from Summer and Fall of 2011. I think you can order copies. Geza made his first bass using Peter's book as a guide. His top graduations are different than the ones you will see in Peter's book.

I know that this is a little off topic from your original question but I thought it worth sharing some thoughts based on my experience.

Thanks again, Christopher! I really appreciate all the advice I can get and will be no doubt looking for help from the good members of this forum such as yourself.
I ordered those GAL issues that you suggested too. Thanks for the tip!
Dean