Now that the test stage is completed, comes the actual gluing of the crack at the endpin. To glue the crack beyond the end block (which is not visible from the outside of the bass body) I decided to use linen strips soaked in hide glue. This technique ensures that there is a good, yet flexible gluing surface inside the rib.

Linen is excellent for pulling the crack together … while the glue dries. This age-old method is still used – and for good reason.

The photo below shows me inserting two sticks inside the f-hole. One stick has the glue-soaked linen (I used two strips) on its end and the other stick is to move the linen into place while holding the linen with the other stick.

See the funky lighting! That is a LED strip I inserted into the bass. This gives an excellent view of the inside. An excellent view of my work area was essential in getting the linen strips in the perfect position.

Inserting linen strips inside the lower rib.

Now that’s done I glue the lower rib from the outside. See how the wedges are on different sides of the crack. This is to make sure the glue surface is absolutely flush.

Outside gluing of the lower rib crack.