Action questions

MisterBeagle · #1 02-03-2008, 04:08 PM

Hello all!

I am interested in raising the action on my bass to a more custom level. I do not play with many other bassists, and the school basses I use with my other bassist-friend don't have height adjusters.

Essentially, what I want to do is raise the bridge more on the E-string side and leave it medium on the G-string side, so I can get projection in the lower registers and have a workable string height for playing solo.

I just want to know it this is a good idea or not. I don't think anything particularly bad could happen, but I don't want to make any unnecessary risks!

Thank you to anyone who responds in advance

toman · #2 02-03-2008, 05:10 PM

If you're talking about raising an adjuster on just one side, probably not such a good idea unless it's just a very small amount. If you're going to raise the whole bridge and then reshape the top, sure, no problem there; you can do whatever you want. You may also want to change the nut, depending on how things sit there.

carlopetro · #3 02-04-2008, 08:53 AM

Just curious on why it is not a good idea to raise an adjuster on just one side?

Thanks,

Quote:

Originally Posted by toman

If you're talking about raising an adjuster on just one side, probably not such a good idea unless it's just a very small amount.

ZachDad · #4 02-04-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlopetro

Just curious on why it is not a good idea to raise an adjuster on just one side?

Thanks,

My guess would be the uneven distribution of tension on the top. Could be scary!

Eric Swanson · #5 02-04-2008, 09:22 AM

Problems with raising only one side of the adjusters a lot:
- creates more tension within the bridge (more lateral forces come into play)
- can push the feet out of a good "mate" with the top (cause of the increased angle/tension) and because one of the adjusters will be so far out of the wood (more play becomes possible)
- shifts the strings over to one side, instead of remaining centered on the fingerboard (this feels weird, then one may try to shift the bridge over to the side to compensate, then the feet don't fit as well...).

A better solution, IMO, is to have a good luthier recut the bridge curve/string notches. If your adjusters are out a lot already, you may run into needing a new bridge...

drurb · #6 02-04-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZachDad

My guess would be the uneven distribution of tension on the top. Could be scary!

You are absolutely correct. It also puts undue stress on the threads of the adjusters which, after all, are only cut into wood inside the bridge. When you raise one side of the bridge, as I understand it, the tension has to go somewhere. Often it goes toward collapsing the top on one side. I have always been told to turn my adjusters by the same amount. If one is unhappy with the height of the strings on one side vs. the other, the bridge should be re-shaped.

carlopetro · #7 02-04-2008, 03:50 PM

Great info, thanks!

Bass · #8 02-04-2008, 04:51 PM

How "tall" can I raise the bridge adjusters before there are too many threads showing?

reedo35 · #9 02-04-2008, 05:18 PM

Bass- If you have to raise the adjusters more than half the total length of the adjuster screw, you're asking for trouble.
Beagle- Try this experiment, it won't hurt anything.- without making any other changes, stick a piece of thick paper in the E string slot and see if that's the height you want. If it is, the solution is simple. If it's not, you may want to have the Arc of your bridge reshaped
to your preference. Let me know what happens.