In this episode, we get busy with shaping the bass bar. In the last episode, you will see the focus was on fitting it and choosing the right wood to complement and support the front. It is equally important to get the right bass bar shape as this decides the bass response and how strong the front will be.
The grain in a bass bar runs pretty much in one direction, so you have to allow for this when you are shaping it. The two ends are planed down to around 10mm thickness in most double basses. The other measurements we consider are the centre which can be between 32mm and 45mm, and then at the thirds, it is usually around 25mm to 30mm.
The shape we use is called a Cupid's bow owing to the gentle curved shape of the bass bar.
Once we are happy with the overall shape of the bass bar, we then round off the edges and sand to give a nice smooth shape. The bass bar is so important to the bass response of the instrument that getting the shaping and measurements right is essential.
Music: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston - www.gardnermuseum.org
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