Christian McBride String Height

[JavierBass]

So I've searched the forums to no avail, I'm wondering if anyone has any information on Christian McBride's setup, specifically his string height. I've heard it's on the higher side, but I don't know if this is true or a rumor, and I'm looking for an explanation on what high exactly means. I've been researching string heights of different players and find no information on Christian McBride so if anyone knows anything about this subject it would be greatly appreciated.

[Nathan Parker]

I am of the belief that his string height is on the lower end of the spectrum. On the tunes where he plays fast arco, you can hear the strings smackin' on the fingerboard, which usually happens with lower string height. He also plays with some pretty fast lines that I think would be pretty hard with a high string height. Not sayin' it can't be done, just think he uses a lower string height.

All of this is my own conjecture, and I haven't seen him play live, so I can't say for sure.

[Wilbyman]

I just saw McBride play and took a gander at his bass while it was on the floor during soundcheck. It appeared as though he had "medium" action...maybe 8-9mm at the end of the fingerboard. Nothing abnormally low or high. He is not using NHOP/Bromberg on-the-floor action nor is he killing himself. I wouldn't stress over it...put your strings where YOU want them.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by Wilbyman

I just saw McBride play and took a gander at his bass while it was on the floor during soundcheck. It appeared as though he had "medium" action...maybe 8-9mm at the end of the fingerboard. Nothing abnormally low or high. He is not using NHOP/Bromberg on-the-floor action nor is he killing himself. I wouldn't stress over it...put your strings where YOU want them.

And from what I heard he used to have his string even higher when the whole no amp/young lions thing was in full swing in NYC but lowered them to 8-9mm in recent years.

[Nathan Parker]

Personally, I wouldn't care if his string height was 2mm or 20mm. Every time I hear him on an album, his playing kills me.

[BAJO]

I know Christian very well and after going through problems with his right hand he decided to bring them down about 3mm on the G and 7mm on E. At one point in his career he had them double that height however, he has decided to not fight the bass and save his strength.

[bassnutj]

Originally Posted by BAJO

I know Christian very well and after going through problems with his right hand he decided to bring them down about 3mm on the G and 7mm on E. At one point in his career he had them double that height however, he has decided to not fight the bass and save his strength.

I would agree with this. You can hear it on recent recordings.

[bassnutj]

Originally Posted by JavierBass

So I've searched the forums to no avail, I'm wondering if anyone has any information on Christian McBride's setup, specifically his string height. I've heard it's on the higher side, but I don't know if this is true or a rumor, and I'm looking for an explanation on what high exactly means. I've been researching string heights of different players and find no information on Christian McBride so if anyone knows anything about this subject it would be greatly appreciated.

What other bassists string height have you found?

[TroyK]

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

Personally, I wouldn't care if his string height was 2mm or 20mm. Every time I hear him on an album, his playing kills me.

True that. The first time I saw him play live (at EMP, Nathan), I said, walking away from the show "I'll never misuse the word virtuoso again."

[arseniotall]

Originally Posted by TroyK

True that. The first time I saw him play live (at EMP, Nathan), I said, walking away from the show "I'll never misuse the word virtuoso again."

who is a "virtuoso" on bass in your opinion?