Coda to The Setup & Repair of the Double Bass for Optimum Sound

This book seems a little light on for the money, being only 63 pages, compared to the the main book, which is quite extensive. But it's still well worth while. Chuck has clarified some of the things he says in the main book, and even corrects some things too.I'll give a brief outline of what he covers, which may help you decide whether to buy or not:1. Setup - general things to check, such as string spacing, bridge fitting etc.2. Endpin - experiments Chuck has done on different materials for end pins and how they sound3. Soundpost - some recommendations, plus details on the Teflon pads you can put under the bridge anad where you get Teflon from.4. Simplifying mode matching - some better ways to determine the mode frequencies (discussed in the main book)and how to adjust the bass to match modes.5. Making a bass brighter or darker - by changing tailpiece, soundpost, fingerboard, bridge, strings6. More about sound posts - materials, location, sizes and even angle.7. Strings - types, and putting them on properly8. Things that hurt the sound (eg bow quivers, pickups)9. Repair issues - shrunken back repair, 5 string bass neck thickness, stand height, flat back cross bars, alternate repair methods.10. Things that can go wrong during repair, and what to about them (eg neck twists after taking fingerboard off).11. DIY repairs - some advice for non-luthiers repairing basses.12. Warning about not using white glue.and a few other things as well.Anyway, here is someone who is truly committed to passing on what he knows. How many people put their phone number in their book and tell them to call because they enjoy helping people!

In respect to those who have previously written reviews of Chuck's work in these 2 volumes I have to say that after having read them I decided to buy the books, even though some of the reviews were not altogether flattering, and notwithstanding the fact that Chuck has of late been out of the day to day loop of repair etc. in the mainstream world, so has Stradivari, Guarneri, et al. With this in mind, all of the criticisms I've read concerning what have been characterized as sweeping generalizations, by those not particularly well experienced in the fine tuning of the stringed instruments , by Chuck in these 2 books, pretty much amounts to a lot of fluff. Chuck was very well known during his time in the business as the Guru of Dbl Bass repair and fine tuning, and when I finally realized this was the guy being discussed because of the books he had written, I had to take a closer look at what was supposedly included in them . Once I did that I went ahead and purchased both books, and I'm more than satisfied with the results. I've already undertaken some of the advice given on various aspects of the adjustment process of the bass, and although I already knew some of the things included in his books from years ago, some of the other ideas were certainly knew to me. If anyone thinks that his statements about various aspects of the Double Bass, are unsupported conjecture, etc. guess again Mateys this guys for real, and listen closely for in this fast changing world you may not get better advice, as it may be some time before another guru comes along to part with this much advice about such a difficult subject .D. Harding

Outstanding book for little repairs and set-up great double bass anatomy. Educational to know the working parts of your Upright Bass!I will say, leave intricate repairs and things that may get you in over your head; to a qualified professional Luthier. Great book though.

Excellent book. Very well written. Ideas are clearly summarized. As an Acoustics/Vibration major I was afraid the book would be too vague. It is not the case. Concepts are clearly defined. What a great book. A MUST HAVE for any bass player!

I have repaired string instruments as a hobby for years. This book, and the book it is an addendum to are the best I've seen, easy to understand for a good out come. Did not cover much on retouching the repair, but as the author indicates, that is its own department. A book by Epp is an excellent workshop guide to handle the cosmetics.

Chuck Theager has again showed the double bass community his brilliance and his love for the double bass and for those of us who repair and make them. This book is well worth buying for any double bass luthier shop. Thanks Mr. Theager! Wayne Holmes, Holmes bass Viol Shop, Milan, TN

This book is must for any one who play a bass the book goes into detail that is easy to understand my bass sounds like a better bass not a new bass.

Chuck knows. And if you follow his instructions, your bass will thank you. Mine went from a choked, hard-to-play bass to being a big, fat dark and powerful instrument.

Pure genius.