WHAT A DELIGHT- The Big Bass, The Son of Gut Bucket, whatever I am going to call it, works. This morning I made the tail piece that connects the strings to the knob at the back of the instrument, I went to our local marine supply store for some really strong, non -stretching line to make the "tail gut" and I strung it up with the extremely heavy strings that Kirk in the Friday Harbor music store had given me I was kind of disappointed. Sounded dull and muddy and I could not get it up to pitch. I suspected I had a string problem-
So I drove downtown to Quist Violins and had a talk with Mr. Quist. He diagnosed my problem and sold me two cello strings, a C and a G. Much thinner, exactly the right length. The problem was solved. I brought them up to C and G and all of a sudden I had an instrument- the very one I had hoped for.
So I drove downtown to Quist Violins and had a talk with Mr. Quist. He diagnosed my problem and sold me two cello strings, a C and a G. Much thinner, exactly the right length. The problem was solved. I brought them up to C and G and all of a sudden I had an instrument- the very one I had hoped for.
Here it is with the too large strings. The bridge is too high and the action is way up there. Didn't sound very good
This shows you the tail-piece which makes the connection between the strings and the "tail gut" which bends down over the wooden nut at the back of the instrument and loops around the knob through which the adjustable steel support runs. It is hollow on its underside. The cord coming from its rear end is 275 lb test nylon cordage.
Its length is adjustable, thus the two loose ends you see on either side. Those will eventually be trimmed off.
Its length is adjustable, thus the two loose ends you see on either side. Those will eventually be trimmed off.
Here we are with the new strings. I added the paper dots to indicate where the notes were up the neck. I simply attached an electronic tuner to the bridge and found where all the notes were. Helped me to get oriented on the fingerboard.
And here it is playing its debut. I was able to loan it for a time to a fellow who also plays the cello and had the pleasure of hearing a good musician playing my creation. It sounded great. I am very pleased.
There were twenty one of us playing and singing on this delightful summer evening in the park. surely no-one enjoyed it more than I did as I realized this two string bass was going to be a success. Now I can go forward and finish it. I will make a new and thinner bridge. Perhaps sand thinner around the perimeter of the top to increase the volume, thin down the neck considerably now that I understand the tensions it must endure a little better.
Finally I will probably stain the neck and french polish the body. This new instrument will be a keeper.
Finally I will probably stain the neck and french polish the body. This new instrument will be a keeper.
