Turning back the clocks, as we'll do this weekend, has always been the reminder that it is time to change your smoke detector batteries, but here at Upton Bass we like to advocate that it is also the time to get your instrument in the shop for a "well visit". Many problems that occur in the dead of winter could actually be prevented by simple maintenance steps in Autumn when the heat is just clicking on and the humidity is dropping like a stone.
One of the most common cracks we see in the shop are saddle cracks. Saddle cracks occur when the soft spruce top shrinks and is bound up by the saddle. This type of crack is almost 100% avoidable! The easiest, DIY approach in emergency situations is to make a saw cut on the sides of the saddle into the spruce (with the grain). We like Japanese pull saws for this. This allows for almost a millimeter of shrinkage before the top is again bound by the saddle. The better, more professional approach is to pop the saddle out and trim it. Another approach is to have a Preserve Saddle installed. This revolutionary saddle design can significantly reduce your basses likelihood of ever having a saddle crack! Whether you choose the high road or the low, this is one area you cannot afford to overlook.
Another area that needs to be maintained is the soundpost. Most professional musicians will have more than one post. A summer post (taller) and a winter post (shorter). Failure to have the appropriate soundpost in your instrument can result in a loss of tone and response or hypersensitivity...and worse yet, a crack! Although rarer than a saddle crack, a soundpost crack can occur. Only millimeters of soft spruce separate your soundpost and bridge, and too much tension in this area can cause a split along the weakest summer grain. The crack that occurs is not always at the edge of the post...but sometimes further out and extending into the ff hole. Soundpost cracks are not only costly to repair, but can significantly reduce the value of your instrument, even when properly repaired. If you can already feel a ridge or bump from the soundpost through the top, bring it in immediately for corrective measures.
Lastly is the constant battle of humidity, and the reason why the above points exist! Your instrument is like a sponge and it will give and take humidity constantly. We call this humidity cycling. Ideally we encourage our patrons to keep your instrument at about 40%-50%. Digital hygrometers are easy to find and the most reliable in monitoring the humidity of your house or instrument room. A recommended model is the Bionaire BT400 Hygrometer at just under $20.00, but there are a lot of others, try Amazon for a wide variety. We strongly discourage humidifiers that go into your instrument. Even the most careful musician cannot avoid water from dripping, often causing the ribs and linings to become unglued and warp. These humidifiers do have a place, and that is for temporary use in your case while in transit. What we recommend for daily use is a whole room humidifier, preferably a evaporative (not warm mist!) Evaporative humidifiers naturally "move" water into the air by the circulation of dry air past the moistened paper filters. There are an ever growing list of reliable brands, try Amazon for starters.
With a bit of common sense, an ounce of prevention, and a little luck along the way, you and your instrument will make it through yet another year.
Call 860-535-9399 to speak to us about bringing your bass in to one of our two shops (Mystic, CT or Boston, MA) for assessment.
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