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Albert Jackstadt Bass Bar Woes...
This Albert Jackstadt double bass, made in October of 1990 for the Bass
Viol Shop Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio, showcases some very good design (cross bracing) and
workmanship...it's nice to see a modern bass maker advancing the art!
This bass, however, was showing some pretty significant top deformations from an
overly sprung bass bar on a soft piece of spruce. It also had a few minor cracks that needed to be
addressed.
After the old bar is carefully carved out, the slow process of chalk fitting a
new bar can begin. Measurements must be taken and calculations done to
determine the best spot for the new bar in relation to the model and the size of
the bridge to be used. Carving, shaping and tuning the new bar to work
with the top takes a well trained hand and ear. The strength of the
top wood must be carefully considered. We decided a taller, wider bar with
zero spring would be best for this bass. The graceful gothic arch at the
highest point keeps the strength of the taller bar balanced by taking away mass.
Tap tuning the top and checking for flexibility along the way ensures
maximum tonal response and character.
In the end, this nice Jackstadt bass has the the right bass bar for the model
and strength of the top.
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View of the bench |
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Rough Fitting...
Nice gothic arch...
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