Violin Forum/Message Board

okawbow · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 5:29 pm Post subject: Trying to make a bass

I am preparing to start on a 3/4 bass this year. I’ll use the drawings by Geza Burgardt of a 1760 G. B. Gabrielli inspired bass with a carved back.

Will possibly use ash for the back, sides and neck if I can’t find good enough maple locally. The finish will be dark and I’m ok with plain wood. I have some very good quality ash on hand. Also considering sycamore if I can find some locally.

For the fingerboard and tailpiece, I’ll use some nice, hard persimmon wood I have. I’ll make the bridge also.

This will probably be a long term project. I have made a cello that came out very nice. I’ve also made over a dozen violins and violas, as well as a couple classical guitars and harps. Will start on the form in a week or two.

Check my ad for top wood in the classified section if you have a bass top set you will never use.

Chuck

okawbow · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2019 10:46 pm Post subject: Ready to start building

Found a nice Engelmann spruce set I could afford. Picked up a well seasoned set of really nice, tight and straight grained ash for the back, sides and neck. The wood is wide enough for a 2 piece back. I’ll have to splice on a small piece for part of the scroll and heel.

Will try and build the form in a few days.

okawbow · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 12:25 am Post subject: Patterns

I traced the patterns for the top and back sides of the form, and the neck. Used tracing paper and glued to 1/8” hardboard. Sawed out the patterns and filed and sanded the edges to the traced lines.

I’ll use the form patterns to cut out the top and back pieces of the form using MDO board. I’ll seal the MDO with the 2 part epoxy finish I have left over from spraying archery bows.

Untitled by okawbow, on Flickr

okawbow · Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 5:28 pm Post subject: Form done

Have the form ready, and am gluing willow billets up for the blocks. I need a bigger shop!

Untitled by okawbow, on Flickr

Rick M · Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 11:56 pm Post subject:

This has become a quieter place, but watching with interest, thanks for posting

Chet Bishop · Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 12:10 pm Post subject: Progress report?

How is your bass-build coming?

I would be very encouraged to see what you are doing.

Chet
_________________
Chet Bishop
https://bluefiddles.com
https://fivestringfiddles.com

Mat Roop · Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2019 2:26 pm Post subject:

Hi Chuck... Me too! Love to see the figure of the wood for the back & top when you lay it out. ... Cheers, Mat

okawbow · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2019 2:57 pm Post subject: Slow progress

I have the sides bent and glued. Have been flattening the top side in preparation of bringing the sides to finished height. Am using planes and a large sanding board with 40 grit sandpaper to get it done.

Untitled by okawbow, on Flickr

Rick M · Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2019 11:45 pm Post subject:

Looks like progress!
Like Mat, looking forward to seeing you start on the plates.

okawbow · Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 12:05 pm Post subject: Back

Started removing some of the more than 90% of the wood that will need to be removed from the back board before it is done. I’m using a combination of power planer, hand plane, and power cutting disc.

The glued up board was almost too heavy to handle easily, but will only weigh a few pounds when done.

Untitled by okawbow, on Flickr

Rick M · Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 8:41 pm Post subject:

What did you end up using? Ash?

Those really are enormous plates. The difference between fiddle and an archtop guitar plate was pretty huge, these are a whole other level!

okawbow · Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 10:35 pm Post subject:

Yes, ash and Engleman spruce.

lissa · Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2019 12:09 am Post subject:

So how's your experience with it.
_________________
Violin Lessons Folsom | Violin Classes Folsom

okawbow · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2019 8:46 am Post subject: Bass

The ash carves and bends very well. I think it will look unique and striking with the grain pattern of the ash. The weight of the white ash is similar to maple.

okawbow · Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2020 4:00 pm Post subject: a little progress

Glue the spruce top and have it nearly roughed out on the outside. There are a couple knots in the spruce, but they are solid and I'll leave them in. Nice wood other wise.

Bass top by okawbow, on Flickr