Double Bass Question on lower bout crack

[Brian Xman]

Hello all,
I am considering a second hand fully carved bass but it has a significant crack on the lower bout (several inches long). The owner says it is fully stable since repair.
Any concern with such a large crack on a carved bass? If it sounds OK, will a repair like this hold over time?
I appreciate any responses with your insights and experience!

 

[AGCurry]

That bass was obviously injured in a collision with something. Ribs aren't under nearly as much stress as the top and back plates, so chances are the repairs will last absent further injury. Still, it might be wise to have a luthier look at the quality of the repairs.

 

[TyBo]

That does not look stable, to my inexpert eyes. I mean, there are visible holes in it. Maybe it's greatly reinforced on the inside, holding all the pieces in place ... I wouldn't take it on faith that it's stable anyway.
Definitely get that checked out before laying down any moolah, imo.

 

[LHbassist]

Is it structurally sound other wise? How does it play and sound? Is air escaping out of the repaired punctures? If so- the seams at the crack/ puncture might not be sealed correctly. Those repairs, are usually done from outside, with cleat pullers. If you can, have the seller play it, place your hand near those areas, and you'll know. If it is a carved instrument, it is pretty likely that at some point the top will have to come off for other work. Hopefully, not for a while. It it were to need that, THEN is a great time to simply steam open those punctures, remove any cleats, then align and clamp using large 'C' clamps that work great when the bass is opened.

 

[evanrunyon]

That kind of crack probably won't move/expand naturally with the change of seasons, so if it just going to be sitting in a climate-controlled room and handled gently it probably won't get any worse. Probably.

Take it to a trusted luthier and have them let you know what the condition really is and what any potential repair might cost (I'd reckon you're looking at $1k, at a minimum). Even if they think it needs the work, it might be worth it for a quality axe! The first bass I owned was a 70's West German shop bass being used as a display prop at folk music store; I bought it for $200, spent another $1.5k getting it restored and then later sold it for nearly $7k.

 

[Ed S]

Assuming the crack (and calling that a "crack" is putting it awfully mildly) WAS repaired, it looks like a pretty sloppy job was done. Yeah, I've seen folk play basses for long periods with unrepaired damage greater than that, but it is a constant rolling of the dice. You definitely want to have that checked out - unless the price is being marked down considerably.

A well done repair is essentially permanent. I'm just dubious that that was a well done repair. Did the seller tell you who repaired it when? Did the damage occur while the current owner owned it or before? If you do not get clear answers to those questions, that is more reason to pass.

There are enough fine basses for sale that there is little need to choose one with apparent potential problems. UNLESS the price is VERY right.

If you are somewhere so remote that you cannot get a luthier's opinion, or have the option of other basses to consider, just think how hard it will be to get repairs should problems develop.

 

[groooooove]

anecdotal, but my old flatback had maybe 5-6 similar cracks throughout it's ribs. that bass had some issues, but the rib repairs were never ever one of them.

to my eye that looks like a non-issue if you know who did the work and they are reputable.

i also would not buy an older bass/bass with repairs without having the luthier of my choice take a look.

if those two ideas are "a given," then i see no reason such cracks should disqualify the bass as a potential purchase. have someone reputable look it over, for sure.

 

[bassmanbrent]

That repair does look rough. I’d want to know who did it and what kind of glue was used. If it wasn’t hide glue, dealing with it in the future may be troublesome…

 

[salcott]

I've seen my share of rib repairs, both on one of my previous basses and on others. The one pictured is about the sloppiest I've ever seen.

 

[Carl Hillman]

Hello all,
I am considering a second hand fully carved bass but it has a significant crack on the lower bout (several inches long). The owner says it is fully stable since repair.
Any concern with such a large crack on a carved bass? If it sounds OK, will a repair like this hold over time?
I appreciate any responses with your insights and experience!

Holy mackerel.

Is that Elmer's glue holding it together? You need to get a mirror and flashlight and look at what's going on inside of there.

 

[Fender_Bender]

Pretty crappy looking “repairs” to me.

 

[salcott]

Show the rest of the bass. It'll be useful to see if it looks like something worth putting in the grand or so it'll cost for a proper repair by a proper luthier.

 

[Brian Xman]

Here’s a few more photos. This is a Christopher 504 Busetto fully carved.

 

[evanrunyon]

If one of my students brought this to me, my gut would be to tell them that if the total cost (purchase + quoted repair) was close to $3.5-4k, then it'd come down to how much they connected with it. But I'd probably keep looking if it were any higher.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

People seem to love slamming Christophers into hard objects. I once saw one that had a cymbal go through an upper rib. If you otherwise really love it, offer a lowball around $1.5k. That top WILL have to come off, and who knows what your luthier will find inside. If it was on my bench, a linen-patch repair might be the only option.