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King Double Bass
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=53653		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  King Double Bass
I hesitate to post this. But I’m looking for ideas to repair. Finish feels like polyester. Cracks seem to confirm. Is there a way to do using a threaded rod to push tail block out assuming I can get glue in there? Tail block is def separated on one side of body, not attached well to top or bottom.(endoscope pics)
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 4:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
I did get the end pin out. It’s a hole maybe 1” in diameter
Author:  Chris Pile [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 5:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Take the back off.... Violin family stuff is supposed to be made to take apart and re-assemble.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 5:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
I don’t think they used hide glue Chris. What would u suggest as a technique?
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
The back is already separated at damage site. Just work a flat saw all the way around?
Author:  Clay S. [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Is it one of these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J18q8iaCnys

I wouldn't be too sure they are made to come apart.

I think there was also a Cleveland "King" Bass maker also.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Trust me - they should be. Use a knife to work around the perimeter.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Thanks Chris. So it’s a mechanical process. No heat. Just creep around with a knife. Gonna need a crap load of spool clamps. Gonna have owner pay for those
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 7:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Clay, that dude in the video appears to be Jason Burns partner. Apparently Burns left King Double Bass because of that guy’s shady business practices.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Fri Nov 06, 2020 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Mike - I'm sure there are how-to videos on YT you can check out... Do you have a violin makers knife, or any of the knives from StewMac? In a pinch.... a butter knife will work, but don't tell your wife (or Mom in my case decades ago).
Author:  Ernie Kleinman [ Sun Nov 08, 2020 10:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
couple of drops alcohol and a wide artists palette knife can work too. The alcohol softens the hhg. Watch out for the blocks !!!
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 09, 2020 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Ernie Kleinman wrote:
couple of drops alcohol and a wide artists palette knife can work too. The alcohol softens the hhg. Watch out for the blocks !!!


I have looked inside the bass and I do see blocks on the edges. What is the concern? That I might cause side damage trying to get through one? I was kind of wondering about them.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Mon Nov 09, 2020 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
They are deeper than the linings of the bass. You have to be careful with the knife and go easy to keep from cracking the back (is it laminated or solid wood?).
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Tue Nov 10, 2020 3:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Chris, for what they charged for these things, it better be solid wood. Given the break in the side, I should be able to determine. The sides are incredibly thin. 0.05 - 0.06". Hopefully the back is a bit thicker.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Tue Nov 10, 2020 3:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Btw, the rest of the story. Owner had a loose and wobbly end pin. He read somewhere that to fix, wrap the support plug with sandpaper, and then tap in with a rubber mallet. Second strike caused the damage. I jokingly asked if he used a hammer. Well, he did.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
A hammer, huh? So owner inflicted.... He is on the learning curve.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Ernie Kleinman wrote:
couple of drops alcohol and a wide artists palette knife can work too. The alcohol softens the hhg. Watch out for the blocks !!!


Rumor has it that the company used Gorilla glue. Looking at the drips on the tail block, I tend to believe it.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Fri Nov 27, 2020 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Damage area. Back mostly off. Humidifying
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Sat Nov 28, 2020 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Well, it’s wait and see. Had to work the cracks with a mini dremel tool, build an inside and outside curved set of cauls. Lots of padding and tape. Lots of glue!
Author:  Chris Pile [ Sat Nov 28, 2020 5:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
THAT'S the STUFF.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Thank you Chris for ur advice.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
I’ve estimated 48 spool clamps with 12” rods to reattach the back. Glad the owner has the dollars to pay for that. He’s not happy about cost, but he (as I reminded him) has learned a valuable lesson. Hammers and musical instruments do not mix.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
You are most welcome for the phone call, Mike. Highlight of my day, for sure!
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Sun Nov 29, 2020 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
Well, it’s back in place. Still ugly, not much to do about that
Author:  Chris Pile [ Sun Nov 29, 2020 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: King Double Bass
I'm proud of you, Mike! Good job.
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