Converting righty upright bass to lefty?

[andrew]

Has anyone here done a proper conversion of a righty upright bass to lefty? I'm curious what it took to do and the time/cost involved.

[Matt R.]

Don't know what it costs but I know it's expensive. The top has to be taken off and the bass bar and sound post switched. May also require replaning of the fingerboard. I wanna say Upton charged $500 for a conversion (if you buy from them), but I'm not sure if I remember correctly.

[Frenchy-Lefty]

Our member LHBassist is an upright tech in Reno and I remember asking the same question awhile back. He had a lot of insight. I think he can answer your question with great detail.

[Addison]

About 15 years ago, I had the opportunity to buy an incredibly sweet vintage Kay upright... I was quoted $800 for the conversion.

Incidentally, I never bought the bass.

[LHBASSIST]

PM me, and I'll give you the details. It can be a lot more complex than a straight rebar. Many uprights have what is known as an 'integral' bass bar. Meaning that wood was removed from around it in the original carving process, and that means that that original wood that was left in to function as the main top brace, needs to be carved out. Then a new bar is fabricated and fitted. In today's economy, I do not know of any luthier that would do this conversion for under 1k. It is a LOT of work. Bridge needs re working, and then the fingerboard and nut, too. I have detailed photos of just what this conversion involves.

[LHBASSIST]

Bob Gollihur has a GREAT site. He can get you a European made- (not slave labor crap) made bass that can be converted prior to sale. THAT is your best bet. He's a great guy, and does business in a highly ethical manner. Take a look at his page and see for yourself.

https://www.gollihurmusic.com/product/1 ... ASSES.html