Open heart?

[PaulKing]

In for a penny etc.

Annoying creaking noise, source identified, trip to luthier, frightening estimate for diagnosis and repair, DIY aesthetic engaged.

DB friends over the pond advise and encourage. What could go wrong? Its just wood and glue. And a £2k vintage collectors bass...

Tools out, nerve held.

 

Top off. Cat impressed.

A little bit of splintering. Oops.

Chance to clean up the inside, label was almost invisible under 80 years of grime. 1114 = 1937

The problem. Bottom block partially detached from ribs (and from front, removed).

Bass bar reinforced (precautionary) with hot-hide-soaked calico.

Hot hide liberally applied. Ribs heated and clamped. Broom handle is strut holding rib 'garland' open to avoid creep.

Homemade spool clamps ready to go. 20 of them for under £30! (cf £180 at Allparts...)

 

I like a challenge. The advice and encouragement I'm getting from caring pros has been amazing, essential and comforting.

Wish me luck ... top refit next weekend probably.

I want to leave that block clamped for a good week, with occasional heating to coax the ribs back into line.

CAVEAT: IF YOU CAN AFFORD A LUTHIER, JUST PAY THEM!

 

[Happy Jack]

Paul, seriously, I mean ... W T actual F?

[Reggaebass]

Wow, did you find what was making the creaking noise 

[Beedster]

This thread has made me very happy 🙏

[PaulKing]

3 hours ago, Reggaebass said:

Wow, did you find what was making the creaking noise 

Yup this gap, and that front face of the block which was detached from the front.

Also explains the angled end pin. Exactly as I deduced must be the case.

 

You can all laugh at me when I'm head in hands with an expired bass and a top that wont glue back on straight...

Or you can applaud as I proudly play it back to life!  (fingers crossed)

Edited November 17, 2025 by PaulKing

[PaulKing]

4 hours ago, Happy Jack said:

Paul, seriously, I mean ... W T actual F?

 

Tra la laa. Skipping forward through the tulips. 

[Happy Jack]

Excelsior!!!

[Happy Jack]

Seriously Paul, if I had the woodworking abilities God granted to gerbils, I'd be over there like a shot to help you.

 

Common sense tells me your chances of success are at least ... oh I dunno ... improved by keeping me 10 miles away.

[Stub Mandrel]

Is that the one you had back in the 90s?

[pete.young]

Brave Heart, never mind Open Heart!

 

I salute you for having a go. Best wishes for a great outcome.

[Staggering on]

2 hours ago, pete.young said:

Brave Heart, never mind Open Heart!

 

I salute you for having a go. Best wishes for a great outcome.

 

I second that! 👏🤞

[PaulKing]

16 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Is that the one you had back in the 90s?

Hey hello!

Nah a whole load have been and gone since that one, I think it was an old flat back czech thing, part carved. 21st b’day pressie from my mum, first bass!

[Owen]

Respect is due. 

[NickA]

Total respect for the DIY.  I just would      not       dare.  Fingers crossed and best of luck

[Paddy Morris]

Jesus. Not for the faint hearted, but really interesting.

[PaulKing]

Home straight…

Bottom block fixed, bass bar reinforced, top going on. Slowly one step at a time.

 

Leave it like this for 24hrs.

Finish off tomorrow.

[Beedster]

Wow 👍

[PaulKing]

Home straight…

Bottom block fixed, bass bar reinforced, top going on. Slowly one step at a time.

 

Leave it like this for 24hrs.

Finish off tomorrow.

[PaulKing]

Todays bit

[PaulKing]

And so to bed.

[PaulKing]

Looking healthier this afternoon.

Edited November 24, 2025 by PaulKing
typo

[Happy Jack]

Looks great.

[Hellzero]

Nice job!

[Marc S]

Hats off to you sir. A very brave thing to do. Hope it works perfectly for you 😀

[BaBaRe]

Great work!

I have an open seam and been thinking about fixing it myself.

This thread definitely makes me question if I had the patience and perseverance to do just a fraction of what you've achieved there...

I'm subscribed for this!