Making The Meyer Double Bass: Chapter 6 "The Secrets in The Varnish'' (THE GRAND FINALE)

[@etiennemoolman5887]

Incredible work, Signori Puglisi! Bravissimo! I have now watched the making of this wonderful double bass from start to finish. I am in awe, not only at your consummate skill in handcrafting this beautiful work of art, but also the six videos you created along the way, to show us as viewers, the painstaking process. The video itself is immensely entertaining, the choice of music intermixed with ambient sounds such as a fine plane blade shooting maple or ebony, inspired. Each camera angle is beautifully done, clever use of lighting and very interesting camera points of view, all just add to the drama. For me this became compelling viewing, and as each component of the bass was being completed, I felt both jubilant and somewhat emotional at the beauty of it all. The sound and tone of the Low C when bowed was astounding, and I am not ashamed to say that I was in tears when, at the end of the final video, the bass was played arco by Ben Hanlon. Well done, Sir and I hope that you will be posting more terrific videos such as this.

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I feel emotional reading them myself. The day Ben played the bass I was floating on a cloud myself.

[@tpledger100]

C extention. Oh the things we do for a major third!

[@christiangreene1196]

Thank you very much for your videos. As a DB player I’ve found them very interesting and educational… but mostly enjoyable and relaxing. Please share more videos. Cheers from Ireland ☘️ 🎶

[@SteveAbrahall]

What a beaudy! Put the headpones on at the end and turned it up - this bass is amazing as it is, but I hope we can hear it in 10 - 20 years time it's just going to get better and better - reminded me a bit of Charlie Hadens sound. And we also got a cameo or 2 of Eboney my fave workshop cat! Thanks so much!

[@patrickjobling8676]

Gotta say master b .. that was quite the journey .. but what a thing of beauty..10 10 10 ..😁pip pips n carryon ..thanks

[@NigelKaz]

Beautifully done! The bass, the video, the atelier itself, and the amazing collection of clamps! And congratulations on getting one step closer to spelling Edgar's name correctly! :D

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thank you very much! The variety of clamps has a lot more to do with the restoration work I do then making new instruments, when every shape and size and multiple varieties often needed. Having them quickly on hand in a central part of the workshop helps workflow immensely. And I really should employ a spellcheckar... 😉

[@johncostelloe743]

Beautiful to watch you creating incredible works of musical art thank you love your videos I could watch them forever ❤ from Ireland

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks Mate!

[@taufikin6982]

Anda bekerja dengan luar biasa. Paduan ketelitian dan cita rasa seni yang tinggi. Terimakasih telah melihat anda bekerja.

[@jamesballock1768]

Bravissimo! Have you considered reproduction of the Stradivarius guitars?

[@urkolarranaga5845]

Fantastic videos. So good mood!!!!

[@karolskakes388]

So enjoyed the journey of the: Meyer Double Bass - being non musical I get excited over fine woodworking - your videos so well expressed the hard work, the joys, and the love, of what you set out to accomplish! To gather/select various woods and turn them into a fine musical instrument, takes a master woodworker. Thank you for sharing. Being from Roseau county - Minnesota - USA also liked seeing the temperatures mentioned.

[@atelierpuglisi]

That’s so nice to hear your comments. It’s always nice to varnish in the summer months and let the sun do the work. During the winter months I warmup in the workshop doing the carving.

[@ecologicaladam7262]

Excellent videos! They've had me glued to my screen the whole morning... and the end product has been well worth the wait 😁👍

[@michaelbereckis]

What a great series! Thank you very much for allowing me to accompany the construction of the beautiful double bass. The very sensitive music, mixed with the working noises, created a great atmosphere. I had to laugh at your naughty cat several times. Thanks again and all the best! Michael Bereckis (pensioner, saxophonist, clarinettist and passionate beginner on the double bass) from Dortmund, Germany

[@MatchaMakesThings]

Thank you so much for making this series, it provided some amazing insight!

[@mathquir190]

It's always a great experience to see the wood soak in the finish and reveal itself.

[@ars4468]

Thanks a lot for your videos! Congratulations on the completed work! The result is beyond praise! P.s Sorry for my english Greetings from Russia! :)

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thank you very much

[@ninobenjamin9020]

Beautiful work , could you tell us when it's going to come alife? At the end, it has become alive 👏👏

[@nedheadwyoming]

Oh wow! I sure loved watching the progression and care that you gave this beautiful instrument! It looks and sounds amazing! Im a cellist and have a beautiful old German cello and a new-age carbon fiber cello. As i live in northern Wyoming, USA, winters are rough for traveling with the old guy, so the carbon fiber is more forgiving. Love them both! May this bass find a very fortunate person to take him into the huge music world!

[@vartago]

You really captured the sound of Edgar's bass. Congratulations!

[@StaszekPikulMusic]

Wow, such a smooth and warm sound 😍

[@sanserubassman]

Thank you for this. What an incredibly interesting series!!

[@atelierpuglisi]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it interesting. The job of an instrument maker is so often spend in isolation doing our thing. So it was really fun to be able to share this time . Benedict

[@димаперминов-м1е]

Super!!

[@mortimerq-pencil2513]

I enjoyed your series of videos for this bass. How long from start to finish? Ball park?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks Mate. glad you liked the Videos. This bass was made in the white in around 4 months. The tanning/varnish and doing time was another 6 months. I took my time and enjoyed the journey.

[@harrietHHH]

Oh what a beautiful conclusion episode! Loved it.

[@無名-i3p]

Thank you for the video. It's my first time watching a video of making a double base. I deleted my question because it seemed a little rude to the instrument maker.

[@CzirjákZoltán-n2t]

👋👋💯 Thank you Master !🙂 and cat😼❤

[@matthew-oj6zj]

This whole series is just brilliant!! I got it in my mind to see how a bass is made and came across your channel. I cannot imagine getting a better introduction to the whole process. Thank you so much for making all of these!!!

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks Mate. Of course there are many ways to make a Double Bass and some of the things i did on this build were unique to me too. However i really wanted to show some of the many hours and challenges that go into this old hand made craft. Lot of fun too!

[@vdavis4785]

I enjoyed this whole series. Thank you for sharing this with us. I have to admit that I was a little concerned that the magpies would do something regrettable while the bass was outside!

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks. Yes, the magpies have been known to do a little bit of "antiquing...."

[@jamesrossmusic1]

Thank you for sharing! The bass looks and sounds beautiful : )

[@adaltodossantos9586]

Seu trabalho é muito lindo.parabens.de coração.👏👏👏🇧🇷

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thank you my friend

[@puggers77]

beautiful work ! well done ..

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks Tom!

[@MegaBarefoot1]

Two questions. I'm curious. What are you using when you are letting it out in the sun initially? Why the lifted saddle?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Good questions It was mostly a mix of tea/ tannins some Instant coffee, water stains before a LOT of sunlight/uv on and off over 6 weeks. Generally, speaking saddle raisers lower the tension on the belly, and can really be beneficial for the sound as well as the ease of playing. The saddle was raised to try and match the angle of the bridge on Edgar Myers, original instrument.. I raised the overstand on the neck over the body so i compensated with the saddle. Does my explanation make sense?

[@Copertpot]

Really amazing my friend!!

[@sikowe]

Interesting to see how a double bass is built. Step by step. Thank you very much! For the impressions! I would be interested to know how long it takes to make a double bass?

[@stevebadachmusic]

sounds killer! Edgar's bass is so good looking. The fingerboard looks a little wider than his, but maybe that's just because I'm only ever use to seeing his hand on it.

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks Steve. I didn’t stick exactly to the size of his neck and finger board. You’re quite right I’m probably about 4 mm wider at the end. However at the nuts end it’s only a millimetre wider than his. It’s also definitely thicker as his was quite worn down, understandably. For a smallish instrument it sure works well, particularly with someone who knows what they’re doing like Ben Hanlon

[@DanielKinnaird]

Gorgeous!

[@PeterHoogerbrugge]

Beautiful series of videos on this bass. Thanks for making the effort. Wish I could ever play this bass (let alone, own it!). It sounds gorgeous!

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks Peter.

[@palletcolorato]

That is impressive! How did you learn to make them?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Hi Tim. I was lucky enough to get an informal apprenticeship with a German trained instrument maker here in Melbourne. I worked alongside him for seven years before I travel to Europe to learn informally with other makers for a further year. However I'm still learning every day and trying to improve my methods and of course the sound of the finished instrument.

[@palletcolorato]

@@atelierpuglisi Cool !

[@palletcolorato]

@@atelierpuglisi I watched another channel the other day. He was restoring one from 1889. A good portion was waste material. I was amazed he spent that time on it. What percentage of material has to be present for it to be "original"?

[@rafkonings]

I loved the Meyer videos. Gorgeous bass. Any idea about total amount of hours spent to make it?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Sorry for the slow reply, I missed the question. I really never measure the time. And I’m really not that fast these days. I tend to take my time and enjoy it. However I often think around 600 hours without taking into account some long periods of inactivity as things dry.

[@talalaism]

What sort of strings are these? Thanks!

[@atelierpuglisi]

Belcanto. Standard orchestral tuning.

[@dfybyn]

Hi Benedict. Can you pls advise me why the fingerboard needs the 'weight reduction' dugout after it leaves the neck, underneath the board. I only play Jazz pizz, and because it sometimes moves if I'm digging in, I've always wondered what this does for the sound or if its some 17 century hangover that is "just done" because "that's how its always been done".

[@atelierpuglisi]

G'day. Great question. Important thing is to remove some of the weight. The blank fingerboards are very heavy, and it potentially would bend the fingerboard down over time. Also the excessive weight absorbs sound and if the fingerboard is too thick, you could have a much quieter instrument. Of course, there is a fine balance between fingerboard being too heavy and too light. The strength and integrity must be maintained. Also the part of the fingerboard that is hanging off the neck has a fundamental note to it. This can interfere with the fundamental pitch of the instrument and can set up a sympathetic sound, which could clash. Many cheaper instruments, have poor quality fingerboards with the grain, running the wrong way and the strength of the fingerboard isn't as strong as you would want it. Definitely when a fingerboard gets too thin in the upper register, it is well worth having it changed, and there are noticeable benefits immediately. I hope that answers the question? It is a big topic. The length of the board, the strength of the board and the density cannot be understated as an important part of the sound and playability.

[@Dansback21]

How do you ensure the fingerboard extension stays on without a dovetail joint?

[@seinkim655]

It's a beautiful and amazing skill. I have a question. How do I calculate c-thru extension on the fingerboard?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thank you. Every extension so it's just slightly different. They are all custom built to fit the angles of the scroll on the fingerboard, and taking into account the string length. By building my "C-thru model" I was considering something as light as possible, and something wouldn't obscure the lines of the scroll.

[@mattgreven7615]

love the video's! Just curious, is this instrument commissioned by Edgar Meyer? Will he ever play it?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Hi Matt. No, it wasn’t commissioned by Edgar. After I met him, and his bass, in 2019, he was kind enough to allow his instrument to be examined and measured. During the Covid lockdown of 2020 here in Melbourne, I took the opportunity to build the instrument. I’m really hoping that he’ll be back to Australia soon and I can get to share the instrument with him and would value his opinion. In the meantime, I’m enjoying having it around and trying to play it myself.

[@mattgreven7615]

@@atelierpuglisi awesome, thank you. I had the pleasure if listening to Edgar playing in the stairwells of the music building in Bloomington, IN. It was one of his favorite places to play--he loved the resonance/reverb.

[@atelierpuglisi]

@@mattgreven7615 great story.

[@mattgreven7615]

Any updates? Has Edgar met the instrument?

[@nickcudahy]

Really enjoyed these amazing videos! I've been thinking about adding an extension to my bass and a couple of weeks ago hit on the idea of using acrylic and here you already did it and it's way cooler than imagined! You even have an acrylic pulley. Would you mind sharing how you did it? I'm not a luthier, just a player but also a tinkerer who likes making stuff so worst case scenario, I end up with a crappy extension I don't use and will probably have to fit a bass nut, but feel like that much I can handle.

[@atelierpuglisi]

Hi. Glad you enjoyed the videos. They're not really a step-by-step how to type of series as that would be way too long. Acrylic cuts very easily and is someways easier to work the timber. However a lot of polishing is needed to get the true transparency. I have to say that I find a lot of extensions detract from the outline of the scroll, so the idea was to make one as less intrusive as possible. Generally making extensions involves quite a lot of pre-planning to get the geometry right. And of course it always helps to make sure the instrument will respond low to these low frequencies. Try de-tuning the E string and have a listen making sure it's desirable. The longer string really needs a very sensitive fingerboard so as not to get buzzing and false notes. I always start with a piece of plain pine and make sure the extension will work. Some scrolls have a forward leaning angle and they just not suitable. Others are too narrow, and some of the difficult peg boxes to adapt to. Start with something quite simple even out of cardboard to make sure it will work first. Of course the benefits to this hard work is some nice low bottom end.

[@nemo227]

I've never heard any two basses that sounded the same. Even my own bass doesn't sound the same with 4 strings vs. 3 strings. The resonance is better with 3 strings but I don't remember if it's better with G D A or better with D A E. But the finish is gorgeous and it's the looks that count the most, right? 😉

[@nagylaj01]

What kind of ground do You use? Witch oxidize and darkens the wood?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Hi. On this instrument I used a water based stain and tea combination, deluded in water. The UV did the rest.

[@theangryluthier2244]

i have to say thank you for all this amazing videos its very inspirational for me to make my own first bass. i never see such a higher saddle why you make in that way? i know its helps on felling the strins more open easy to play but why that much?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Thanks heaps. Great question about the saddle. This is where I did something quite different from Edgar Meyers original instrument. The over stand for the neck was very close to the belly of the instrument. Only about 15 mm. That can make it very uncomfortable to play the upper register.( not that you would know that watching Edger play). I increased the over stand to 35 mm. This made the angle over the bridge very steep and made the strings feel much tighter. By raising the saddle I was able to get the same angle over the bridge as the original. And I feel the sound greatly improved with the lower tension… Does that make sense? Happy to send you a diagram via email if that makes things clearer. Thanks again

[@theangryluthier2244]

​@@atelierpuglisi this angle of the original was 148° or close? its makes all the sense now with that over stand, but i will happy to see that diagram🙂

[@atelierpuglisi]

@@theangryluthier2244 what’s your email address?

[@genehamman9737]

How much does a Meyers’s Bass sell for?

[@atelierpuglisi]

Hi Gene. I've been reluctant to sell this instrument as I'm enjoying it myself however it now is for sale. "The Meyer" is $38,000AUD.

[@genehamman9737]

Thanks for sharing that is a beautiful Bass I love blue grass music I love the looks of the bass you do beautiful work maybe some day.

[@atelierpuglisi]

@@genehamman9737 absolutely it would be perfect with the bluegrass scene. I just saw Edgar Meyer is on the new album with Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, feat. Rakesh Chaurasia called "As We Speak" out soon! And in fact I am off to see Bèla Fleck later this week to get my bluegrass fix!

[@jamesgiles4061]

Proper

[@briandillon6328]

My wife is programmed to attack the man using the scraper. She does not understand why I find the sound therapeutic.

[@atelierpuglisi]

🤣🤣🤣

[@JacqueHarper]

Oh! I am so glad that Ebony does not find maple and spruce to be nice places to sharpen one's claws! I fear the day my cats think my bass is a scratching post. Hopefully having like 6,000 actual scratching posts in the apartment will forever forestall that!

[@atelierpuglisi]

I have to say that that’s something I’m extremely grateful for too. Luckily Ebony has never found a varnished instrument or for that matter scraped and cleaned instrument worthy of sharpening her nails on. Cardboard boxes yes, raw timber yes, leather furniture yes, but for some reason and thankfully for her instruments are not on that list. Unfortunately I can’t keep a pet parrot in the workshop as the scrolls are way too tasty

[@fongmaho]

The big secret after the varnish: The bass will sound a lot better after it has been scratched by a black cat…

[@atelierpuglisi]

Antiquing.

[@eoin474]

the cat on the bass is a nono…

[@eoin474]

THE MAGPIES ON THE BASS?!?!?!,!

[@atelierpuglisi]

Good for antiquing...😉