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Seen Better Days?
We agreed to restore this bass as it had important sentimental
value to the owner. More than a few shops have passed on the restoration over the
years...and honestly we thought about passing on it too. But in the end we
agreed that despite the horrid condition of this bass, we could bring it back.
After examining the finish, we are of the opinion that it once
had a nice oil varnish. This varnish had been removed and a blonde spirit
varnish had been applied. More recently it appears that it was being
prepared for a solid color painting as Bondo had been applied to all
of the low points in an effort to level out the instrument to look good under
shinny paint! Once we complete the woodworking portion of the restoration
the owners will spend some time with us looking at pictures and instruments to
decide what direction they would like us to take the new varnish. A
handmade oil varnish will be applied with some light antiquing.
Skip to the finished pictures!
This bass sounded AMAZING!!! We hope it can live on
another 100 years before the next repair is needed. This is the longest a
bass has been with us in the R&R process...and the results were beyond all of
our expectations.
Before...
During...
We began by taking off the top. This was no small chore as
it was being held on with white glue, crazy glue, epoxy, unknown adhesives, Bondo...and
even nails! Taking off
the top revealed more of what this bass will need in order to get up and running
again. On the list is: New neck block, edge doubling, button graft, more
cleats than we care to count, bass bar, neck/scroll graft, rib doubling, eyebrow
patches, sound post patch and finally a full set up.
Rib
Restoration
 
Top
Restoration
Back Restoration
Scroll Restoration
Unfortunately the shop camera died...and thus the progression of the restoration
was lost!!! But...the finished result is so superb that it pardons the
absence of the remaining photo's.
After...
 
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