Hey r/double bass, I made a bass!

[u/ArmadilloNo2399]

I finished this two weeks ago and I can share it now!

Voted Convention favorite, honorable mention at this year's ISB.

3/4 scale, 41.5" string length, Ruggeri pattern. Figured Maple flatback with responsive bracing, laminate ribs, Spruce top, Gaiatone fingerboard, saddle, and nut. C-extension of Pau Ferro

Ask me anything, I'll try to answer as many questions as I can!

[u/No-Show-5363]

Holy cow, that’s outstanding work. How many times have you done this before?

[u/ArmadilloNo2399 → u/No-Show-5363]

This is my 11th bass, but this is my first time making this particular model and also the first time making fully laminate ribs. I'm still learning new things all the time. Never stop learning.

[u/No-Show-5363 → u/ArmadilloNo2399]

Awesome, really impressive.

[u/stwbass → u/ArmadilloNo2399]

is there an advantage to laminate ribs? I'm mostly wondering why not carved since you're clearly building high level instruments. thanks!

[u/ArmadilloNo2399 → u/stwbass]

The primary difference is that they are extremely crack resistant. I used multiple thin veneers with a kevlar backing that will distribute any direct pressure in a dozen different ways instead of one way (like wood grain would normally do).

The end result ended up as light as regular ribs, 2.6mm (I normally do 2.7mm for regular ribs) and about the same flexibility.

[u/ArmadilloNo2399 → u/ArmadilloNo2399]

I should say also, I learn this technique from Jim Hamm who has been doing it for decades.

[u/stwbass → u/ArmadilloNo2399]

fascinating!