Back Where She Belongs

Jim Smith (R) shows me where he repaired some of the damage.

This past winter has been brutal for my prized hand-carved double bass. The severe lack of humidity in my apartment took its toll, causing several cracks to emerge in the front of the bass and separating portions of the back from the sides. Major surgery was required.

Fortunately, there’s James Smith, an experienced and talented luthier living in Prince Edward County. Jim has been a friend of mine, and of my bass, since I started building it in 2001. He knows my instrument inside and out and has come to its rescue on several occasions.

Yesterday, I drove to The County where my bass was being released from Jim’s workshop; it’s more like an operating room where precious friends are brought back to life. Once again, Jim (the surgeon) accomplished miracles. I’ve spent today woodshedding with my trusted musical sidekick. It’s great to have her back.