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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)

I did get the end pin out. It’s a hole maybe 1” in diameter

Take the back off.... Violin family stuff is supposed to be made to take apart and re-assemble.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

I don’t think they used hide glue Chris. What would u suggest as a technique?

The back is already separated at damage site. Just work a flat saw all the way around?

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.

Trust me - they should be. Use a knife to work around the perimeter.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

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

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.

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).

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

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.

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?).

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

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.

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.

A hammer, huh? So owner inflicted.... He is on the learning curve.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Rumor has it that the company used Gorilla glue. Looking at the drips on the tail block, I tend to believe it.

Damage area. Back mostly off. Humidifying

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!

THAT'S the STUFF.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Thank you Chris for ur advice.

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.

You are most welcome for the phone call, Mike. Highlight of my day, for sure!

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Well, it’s back in place. Still ugly, not much to do about that

I'm proud of you, Mike! Good job.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince