The Handy Double Bassist: Maintenance, Adjustments and Minor Repairs for the Non-Luthier - by Arnold E. Schnitzer

The Handy Double Bassist: Maintenance, Adjustments and Minor Repairs for the Non-Luthier

by Arnold E. Schnitzer

Many bassists perform minor adjustments and repairs as they maintain their instruments. Developing those skills and the confidence to diagnose and remedy minor issues is not only satisfying, it can save you money.

The Handy Double Bassist, by well known professional bass luthier Arnold Schnitzer, specifies the tools and supplies needed, where to find them and how to use them.

Chapters include "Bridge Adjusting," "Minor Crack Repairs," "Wolf Tones" and "Troubleshooting."

106 pages, spiral bound

Mark Says:

No book can take the place of an apprenticeship with a master luthier, and it cannot substitute for years of experience working on stringed instruments. Owning this book doesn't make you a luthier. But this book covers many of the important knowledge a bassist should have, so they can properly maintain their instrument (or know when they need to ask for help!)

Meaning, even for the stuff that is "over one's head" - meaning, one has to have a luthier do the work - it's good to know what actually goes into the process of a repair and/or troubleshooting. It's kind of like having a "car guy" go with you to the auto shop to make sure you don't get raked over the coals. A little knowledge goes a long way.

But for the things that you may be able to do yourself, Arnold's book can bring confidence to you as you do even the most simple bass maintainance (like changing strings.) In this book, you'll find loads of tips for repair and maintenance, and some guidance to know when you only know enough to be dangerous - and should probably defer to a professional luthier.

Arnold Says:

I wanted to take a minute to explain the genesis of this book: I spent a lot of time holed up in the house during the worst of the pandemic. I decided to put this thing together as a project to try and maintain my sanity. As I got started, the concept grew and I surpassed my technical ability to arrange the material electronically. Fortunately, my apprentice, Christian Chesanek, possesses all the skills to arrange and present the material using a computer program. So off we went, through many iterations and edits, finally arranging at a finished project about a year later than we'd hoped. I insisted on setting what is essentially a break-even price (after printing, shipping, fees, etc.) so that the I could give back to the community that has made me a living for several decades. My hope is that many amateur and professional bassists will benefit from using the material within. I appreciate the patronage of all the bassists who have frequented my shops and purchased my instruments over the years! Much Bass Love...