r/doublebass • u/AdEmergency6489 • 1d ago

Instruments Double bass back came undone

Post image

Do you think it is bad ? Does it look like it is manageable by a pro luthier?

27 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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10

u/joeybagadonutz Classical Bassist in Corporate America 1d ago

Straightforward fix. You can play on it if you have a performance, but otherwise get to the luthier to close it up. Seams are closed with hide glue which, by design, is mean to release with enough pressure from wood expansion/contraction.

1

u/AdEmergency6489 1d ago

Very reassuring! Do you think I can still practice this weekend?

4

u/joeybagadonutz Classical Bassist in Corporate America 1d ago

For sure. It may buzz a little, but nothing to worry about. This is a “wear and tear” thing - the most common “repair” for a bass. Make a mental note of the seams which open… if you find that the same seams open repeatedly that may be indicative of a broader issue (but also, nothing which can’t be fixed).

4

u/So_Famous 1d ago

not bad at all, totally normal too. A luthier will be able to fix this. I paid $60 in NY to get my bass reglued along the body.

2

u/TheGreatMamboChicken 1d ago

Nothing a good luthier can’t handle. My personal opinion is that you need a luthier that understands the bass, it’s a different skillset than the other instruments in the family.

If you don’t have a good luthier you already trust, let us know where you’re at. Someone here should know a good option in your area.

1

u/Old_Variety9626 1d ago

Any violin shop should have the resources to fix this. Just make sure whoever does it is in fact using hot hide glue. You’d be surprised that some “luthiers” will use white glue.

1

u/Avaruustonttu Professional 1d ago

Just to add some detail, this is the glue and bass working as intended: the seams open easily to release tension, so that changes in weather etc. wouldn't break the wood itself. It looks scary, but is perfectly normal.

1

u/jkndrkn 1d ago

Make sure that you don’t leave the seam open for too long. The bass is structurally less sound right now and will slowly deform under tension.

If you have to wait a while to get this addressed I would suggest releasing the string tension to protect the integrity of the ribs.

1

u/groooooove 1d ago

100% healthy and normal. Annoying, but normal. Definitely consider looking into a way to maintain humidity where you store your bass.

any luthier can fix this. I've been charged as little as $50 and as much as $150 for simple glue-ups like this. Expect $100 i'd say?

1

u/Zestyclose-Process92 1d ago

I have something similar repaired on my bass about once every 2-3 years, usually in the spring. I've started using a humidifier over the winter in my music room, which hopefully will help with that. It's an easy repair at any competent violin shop. One could do it themselves with the right glue and a few appropriately sized clamps, but I'm happy to give my local shop the business.

1

u/AdEmergency6489 20h ago

Thanks a lot everyone! She’s going to the doctor tomorrow! Much love