Well that is a very luthiery cat, I think she is trying to tell "don't shave it too thin, it may crack in the future." It is a perfect experience to watch such fine craftmanship and artistry. I am a guitar builder and I was recently thinking about building a double bass, after the request of a friend. Your work is inspiring sir.
@@atelierpuglisi My friend was asking for a 3/4 scale, but he did not have a specific request for a model. Would you have any recommendations for the first instrument to build?
I am a bass player and wood worker. for the longest time I have been wanting to make my own double bass. Thank you for making these videos. It is incredible to learn from a master craftsman, its hard to find courses of particular subjects. I look forward to your future projects!
Nce to see that you feature the most important tool in the armoury of the luthier... The espresso machine! Seriously though, a fascinating look at a craftsman at work. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
She…! I’m so glad I had the camera there to show people what happens. I never know what she’s thinking. She comes in close for affection and sit quietly with me for so many many hours. But every now and then she gets the devil in her. And my camera catches the moment she just attacks!
Oh there you go, I LOVE the long handled gouge! I have a large slick (flat edge boat building chisel) but now I really want to find or make a gouge like that 😍
Really can't recommend a long handle gouge, or for that matter pairing chisel enough. The extra length gives the leverage to make the job so much easier. Helps with posture as well.
@@atelierpuglisi totally agreed. The boat building slick is really nice to use, like a 2 -3 inch wide blade with overall length is a bit over 3 feet. I do have a couple gouges, I might have to track down another so I can make a long handle on the lathe. Oh yeah, I just watched the video on carving the back too: one tool that made life easier for me on guitar tops is a spoon plane. It works on the pull stroke like the Japanese hand saws. The blade is crudely shaped, but once it's dialed in, the pull stroke is really nice. Amazon has the WoodRiver Carver's spoon plane, it's $30 US and worth it's weight in gold... or bronze anyway 😁😁
Ebony (the cat) is so wounderfully naughty! Yet again so much amazing work - Just a thought - would an automated CNC machine help take a lot of the sweat out of the initial shaping? Thanks for all your time and effort on this.
Ebony really is a funny cat. What you don't see is the many hours that she sits really close to me sleeping or just watching me. But there's always those few times a day (which I've managed to catch a few filming with my phone) where she just wants to take over the warm spot under the lamp. Her other trick is to hide under a workbench, and as I walk past she just scratches my foot with her paw. I'm gonna catch her and trim those nails this week. Yes a CNC machine would probably speed things up.. But really what would I do for exercise.. I'm not really one for going to the gym so I think I'll just put my energy into carving. Someways it really doesn't take that long to do the rough carving. And I would never trust a machine for the fine arching. The arching is probably the most important part for how the instrument behaves tonally. The next video is on the Evolving Scroll and once again a machine might be helpful, but I'm having way too much fun for that to be an option. Thanks for watching and your comments.
Thank you for making this series, you have inspired me to further grow my wood working abilities. I used to play the double bass, but had to stop due to hand injuries. I've recently started my first guitar project, and have found it sparks that same joy. Someday I hope to build a bass, and maybe by then (and with some surgeries) i'll be able to play again!
Hi Chatman. So glad you like them. Good luck with your guitar project. Acoustic guitar? Just don’t under estimate the physical effort with repeated repetitive procedures when building a musical instrument. Same thing applies, as does with musicians, good technique and rest, will reduce the chance of injury. In saying that result can be amazingly satisfying and rewarding. Good luck. Next varnish video later this week.
@@atelierpuglisi Thanks! I'm actually building a Ukulele for my friend as a gift, but then I plan to expand into other stringed instruments. I really appreciate the reply! Thank you! I'm taking my time and doing it slowly.
Thanks Glen. Although I didn't set out to make a "how to" instructional videos, I'm really pleased to know it's been educational for many. Some of the techniques haven't changed for centuries, and some of them are my own adaptions. Building instruments to be ergonomic, sound great and look good as well it's certainly a lifelong enjoyable vocation.
@@atelierpuglisi you used a tuning fork to hunt for the wild tone. Have you been able to build basses with a minimal wolf tone using this method? What causes the wolf in the first place?
@@mark-stefaniw Hi Mark. Wolf notes to a certain degree will always be in every instrument. I remember my old master used to say "if it doesn't have a wolf note, it's not a Double Bass or Cello....". You could also write a scientific thesis on the subject as they are complex in nature. However the resident frequency of the internal air mass working in sympathy with the bellies frequency can cause cancellations tones... Putting it very simply. Working on the area of the top where they are most prominent can help suppress them. Using small wooden or brass counterweights help to re-adjust these frequencies. I'm certainly always working towards wolf tones that are not too aggressive and happy to say haven't found them to be a major problem on any of my recent instruments including this Meyer inspired little bass. Benedict
Thank you. One of my intentions for making this series was for bassists to appreciate the effort involved and every instrument they play. If you don’t count the choosing of the timber and the 7+ + years used to dry that wood… I normally allow 100hrs over two weeks to build each top.
@@atelierpuglisi also, what would did you use, and would using another type of wood affect it, I would imagine hardwoods would be better, because of the residence, and softer woods would be more frowned upon. And also if I were to glue three pieces together to create the front piece, would that be good, or should I go for a solid piece of wood? Thank you so much, I enjoyed watching this series.
Hi. There are many things but I try after the instrument is finished. However, one thing I found very helpful is to see if there’s any areas that resonate too much, where the amplitude spikes, particularly below the F hole on the bass bar side. I then like to add a small spruce cleat at the spot. It can be trial and error, and these can also be added after the top is glued on, and the instrument is being played.
@@jarekb8929 thanks again. One thing I should say about Wolf notes is that you will never really eliminate them. In fact, if it doesn’t have a wolf note, it’s not a double bass. It’s more about suppressing and managing the wolf tone.
Spruce his a relatively light timber with amazing tonal qualities for the top plate,(tavolo). Oak is too heavy and has a dull tone. Walnut is very heavy and too bright for a top plate, however it can work well for the back and sides. However hard to get in the large size for a carved back Double Bass. And Birch can also be used for the back and sides, however I find the tone a little too dull and not a particularly attractive alternative.
@@atelierpuglisi thank You, violins and cellos are made from spruce too ? - if I have money I will maybe order an oak-walnut one double bass or cello - just out of curiosity - it will decorate my audiophile room - since I can't play any of instruments - but maybe there will be a musician wanting to try it here in Poland - who knows
Well that is a very luthiery cat, I think she is trying to tell "don't shave it too thin, it may crack in the future." It is a perfect experience to watch such fine craftmanship and artistry. I am a guitar builder and I was recently thinking about building a double bass, after the request of a friend. Your work is inspiring sir.
Thank you. Do you know what Double Bass you are thinking of making?
@@atelierpuglisi My friend was asking for a 3/4 scale, but he did not have a specific request for a model. Would you have any recommendations for the first instrument to build?
Woooow 👏👏👏
A fascinating video! Thank you very much.
Glad you enjoyed it! I really enjoyed making this little video collection as well. Sharing the my work.
I am a bass player and wood worker. for the longest time I have been wanting to make my own double bass. Thank you for making these videos. It is incredible to learn from a master craftsman, its hard to find courses of particular subjects. I look forward to your future projects!
Thanks Mate. When it comes to making investments I always say “ just go for it !”
Beautiful to watch the metamorphosis. Thankyou. I bet those shavings would be put to good use in my smokehouse… 😉
Nce to see that you feature the most important tool in the armoury of the luthier...
The espresso machine!
Seriously though, a fascinating look at a craftsman at work. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
The cat is a star. Loved this shot of locking her out of the room. She knows what she did, lol
She…!
I’m so glad I had the camera there to show people what happens. I never know what she’s thinking. She comes in close for affection and sit quietly with me for so many many hours. But every now and then she gets the devil in her. And my camera catches the moment she just attacks!
@@atelierpuglisi as for the cat, give it a sweet ( sue-it ), after all it`s her bad (ear-bud); scratch for scratcing, teeth for tease.
Thank you for letting us know into your workshop. It's a handsome instrument.
Thanks Bruce
Oh there you go, I LOVE the long handled gouge! I have a large slick (flat edge boat building chisel) but now I really want to find or make a gouge like that 😍
Really can't recommend a long handle gouge, or for that matter pairing chisel enough. The extra length gives the leverage to make the job so much easier. Helps with posture as well.
@@atelierpuglisi totally agreed. The boat building slick is really nice to use, like a 2 -3 inch wide blade with overall length is a bit over 3 feet. I do have a couple gouges, I might have to track down another so I can make a long handle on the lathe. Oh yeah, I just watched the video on carving the back too: one tool that made life easier for me on guitar tops is a spoon plane. It works on the pull stroke like the Japanese hand saws. The blade is crudely shaped, but once it's dialed in, the pull stroke is really nice. Amazon has the WoodRiver Carver's spoon plane, it's $30 US and worth it's weight in gold... or bronze anyway 😁😁
Pretty good cat.
These videos are terrific! Perhaps Ebony can be trained in the art of purfling? Or purr-fling, I suppose it would be.
Many thanks what a wonderful video, would love to see more
Thanks Chris. More to come! This week the Scroll making set to Jazz
Very cool!
You're an absolute master craftsman, and this little series I have just stumbled across is beautiful. Makes me want to learn to play DB!
Thanks Glen. Too kind. Yes , learn the majestic Double Bass 👍
Man o man ..that was breath taking .. i pertnear went blue on them f holes .. just magic ..😁pip pips n carryon
Wow soo much work, and such a beautiful creation. Simply beautiful.
ahh this is absolutely incredible!
Thank you.
Un verdadero artista!!!!
Meraviglioso!!
First class and so informative. Thank you from Jacksonville Florida
Thanks Mate
Excelente artesano,peleando con un lindo gatito 🐈⬛ mordelón jaja,saludos maestro.
Just discovered this series. Very interesting and well done! 👍 Curious to see the next part!
Thanks Johannes. Kind words appreciated. I will upload another video with another element of the making next week.
Ebony (the cat) is so wounderfully naughty! Yet again so much amazing work - Just a thought - would an automated CNC machine help take a lot of the sweat out of the initial shaping? Thanks for all your time and effort on this.
Ebony really is a funny cat. What you don't see is the many hours that she sits really close to me sleeping or just watching me. But there's always those few times a day (which I've managed to catch a few filming with my phone) where she just wants to take over the warm spot under the lamp. Her other trick is to hide under a workbench, and as I walk past she just scratches my foot with her paw. I'm gonna catch her and trim those nails this week.
Yes a CNC machine would probably speed things up.. But really what would I do for exercise.. I'm not really one for going to the gym so I think I'll just put my energy into carving. Someways it really doesn't take that long to do the rough carving. And I would never trust a machine for the fine arching. The arching is probably the most important part for how the instrument behaves tonally. The next video is on the Evolving Scroll and once again a machine might be helpful, but I'm having way too much fun for that to be an option. Thanks for watching and your comments.
Thank you Benedict for sharing this process! So very inspiring to think about the artistry behind the artistry.
My pleaser Jacque. i agree 100%.
Thank you for making this series, you have inspired me to further grow my wood working abilities. I used to play the double bass, but had to stop due to hand injuries. I've recently started my first guitar project, and have found it sparks that same joy. Someday I hope to build a bass, and maybe by then (and with some surgeries) i'll be able to play again!
Hi Chatman. So glad you like them. Good luck with your guitar project. Acoustic guitar?
Just don’t under estimate the physical effort with repeated repetitive procedures when building a musical instrument. Same thing applies, as does with musicians, good technique and rest, will reduce the chance of injury.
In saying that result can be amazingly satisfying and rewarding. Good luck.
Next varnish video later this week.
@@atelierpuglisi Thanks! I'm actually building a Ukulele for my friend as a gift, but then I plan to expand into other stringed instruments. I really appreciate the reply! Thank you! I'm taking my time and doing it slowly.
Wonderful video, thank you very much for sharing your time and experience, it was very educational.
Thanks Glen. Although I didn't set out to make a "how to" instructional videos, I'm really pleased to know it's been educational for many. Some of the techniques haven't changed for centuries, and some of them are my own adaptions. Building instruments to be ergonomic, sound great and look good as well it's certainly a lifelong enjoyable vocation.
@@atelierpuglisi you used a tuning fork to hunt for the wild tone. Have you been able to build basses with a minimal wolf tone using this method? What causes the wolf in the first place?
@@mark-stefaniw Hi Mark. Wolf notes to a certain degree will always be in every instrument. I remember my old master used to say "if it doesn't have a wolf note, it's not a Double Bass or Cello....".
You could also write a scientific thesis on the subject as they are complex in nature. However the resident frequency of the internal air mass working in sympathy with the bellies frequency can cause cancellations tones... Putting it very simply.
Working on the area of the top where they are most prominent can help suppress them. Using small wooden or brass counterweights help to re-adjust these frequencies.
I'm certainly always working towards wolf tones that are not too aggressive and happy to say haven't found them to be a major problem on any of my recent instruments including this Meyer inspired little bass. Benedict
Hello Benedict, Could you speak to the glues you use? Is it all hot hide glue or do you use different glues for different tasks?
Hi Jeff. Only hide glue used. With a fresh pot made every morning.
Wonderful!
😍😍👏🏻👏🏻
This is so beautiful to watch!
Thank you Nick
this is great, your work!Thank you ha very interesting video master classes
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!
Many thanks for sharing this amazing transformation. Every double bass player should watch this series. How many hours to create the top?
Thank you. One of my intentions for making this series was for bassists to appreciate the effort involved and every instrument they play.
If you don’t count the choosing of the timber and the 7+ + years used to dry that wood… I normally allow 100hrs over two weeks to build each top.
@@atelierpuglisi I thought it would be even longer. Understand that's just for the top. Watching you make the back next.
What are the starting thicknesses of the front and back blanks? Or maybe a better question is how much arch is in both panels.
👋👋💯
Is plate tuning a thing when making double basses?
how thick it the piece of wood you used for the face plate of the bass ?
The finish thickness is about 9 mm in the middle. And graduates to 4.5 on the flanks. The arching height is roughly 34 mm at the highest point
@@atelierpuglisi also, what would did you use, and would using another type of wood affect it, I would imagine hardwoods would be better, because of the residence, and softer woods would be more frowned upon. And also if I were to glue three pieces together to create the front piece, would that be good, or should I go for a solid piece of wood? Thank you so much, I enjoyed watching this series.
Hi, is it any specific method for the wolf tones adjustment?
Hi. There are many things but I try after the instrument is finished. However, one thing I found very helpful is to see if there’s any areas that resonate too much, where the amplitude spikes, particularly below the F hole on the bass bar side. I then like to add a small spruce cleat at the spot.
It can be trial and error, and these can also be added after the top is glued on, and the instrument is being played.
@@benedictpuglisi8369 Thanks for youtr answer, your videos are really awsome. BR from Poland :)
@@jarekb8929 thanks again. One thing I should say about Wolf notes is that you will never really eliminate them. In fact, if it doesn’t have a wolf note, it’s not a double bass. It’s more about suppressing and managing the wolf tone.
why not oak or walnut tree or birch ?
Spruce his a relatively light timber with amazing tonal qualities for the top plate,(tavolo). Oak is too heavy and has a dull tone. Walnut is very heavy and too bright for a top plate, however it can work well for the back and sides. However hard to get in the large size for a carved back Double Bass. And Birch can also be used for the back and sides, however I find the tone a little too dull and not a particularly attractive alternative.
@@atelierpuglisi thank You, violins and cellos are made from spruce too ? - if I have money I will maybe order an oak-walnut one double bass or cello - just out of curiosity - it will decorate my audiophile room - since I can't play any of instruments - but maybe there will be a musician wanting to try it here in Poland - who knows
pesky cat