Advice please

stevejp · #1 04-29-2006, 09:41 AM

Hi. I recently posted asking for any info on this used Kiso Suzuki Bass I recently purchased. Not much info out there. Regardless, my luthier reset the sound post. We tuned it up and both had a go at it. Good volume, though the EA side sounds somewhat "compressed" The D and G sound nice and open. The luthier reset the bridge, but I notice he didn't measure the scale, etc, so I found the treble side of the bridge was an 1/8 of an inch father back than the bass side. Measuring from the nut to the front of the bridge, I set both sides at 41 3/8". That improved intonation, more uniform across the strings. The action in a bit high for my liking. The luthier said he thought the bridge feet had been shimmed. The foot on the bass side does not fit the contour of the top well. Altogether, his opinion is that the bass was a bargain.

I want to change the strings as they are flatwound, and feel quite stiff (brand unknown), I would like a bit more sustain and warmth. I'd like to switch to "softer" low tension nylon or hybrid strings, an adjustable bridge, replace the hard wire tail gut with cable or such, and replace the endpin as the mounting is somewhat loose. Is there a fix for that? As the endpin is fine otherwise. I will be playing bluegrass gospel, and contemporary christian music. (I'll probably slip some blues in there too!)

I'm new to DB, but I find it fascinating, and have been playing along with some favorite recordings to familiarize myself with the elongated scale. BTW, the bass is labeled 4/4, but it seems to be more 3/4.

Also, (please bear with me) since I live at the edge of the known universe (Kansas), I'm about 150 miles from Kansas City, and Lawrence, Topeka and Witchita are also a journey, but if anyone knows of a good luthier in any of those towns, or Springfield, Mo, I would appreciate your help and advice.

The luthier I used is the only one in Joplin. Nice fellow, but not so exacting. I'd like to have this instrument set up as well as possible. Any advice regarding luthiers, strings, bridge, etc. is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

stevejp · #2 05-03-2006, 08:10 AM

Does anyone know of a good luthier in any of the areas I mentioned above? Anyone? Please?

nicklloyd · #3 05-03-2006, 05:08 PM

http://www.urbbob.com/luthiers.html

Online directory of bass luthiers.

stevejp · #4 05-03-2006, 07:53 PM

Thanks Nick, I hadn't seen that. I'll give a call to KC. The fellow who reset my soundpost placed it almost directly under the treble side of the bridge foot. Last night I tapped it toward the the tailpiece about 1/2" top and bottom. Playability and volume increased substantially. I have so much to learn.

NickyBass · #5 05-04-2006, 05:17 AM

When I read the first few sentences of your post, I was going to suggest better sound post placement. It's amazing how much difference a tiny adjustment can make. I've never set my own post since I'm a little paronoid about my basses, but my luthier spent an hour showing me different placements and their effect on the tone. I'm sure there is some great information about this subject throughout this site, do a search. I would recommend that if you do decide to adjust the post yourself, get a sound post setter, available from the same site as the luthier links above.

nicklloyd · #6 05-04-2006, 07:26 AM

I do not condone adjusting the soundpost yourself.

NickyBass · #7 05-04-2006, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicklloyd

I do not condone adjusting the soundpost yourself.

Oh, neither do I, but I do think that the placement of his sound post might be a big part of the problem.

stevejp · #8 05-04-2006, 08:17 AM

I'm a bit uneasy about fooling around with the soundpost, but the bass felt so tight that I decided to take the chance. I was careful to make sure the post is in there evenly. I'm sure a much better adjustment can be done by someone who knows what they're doing, and has the patience to find the best placement for the post. It seemed to loosen up, or relax, and it's easier to play now. Your advice is well taken Nick. Believe me, I don't want to do my bass any harm.

Living where I do, one almost has to become a luthier. I do all the work on my guitars and slab bass, but I'm not confidant when it comes to the DB. I will purchase a post-setter/tools in the future when I've learned more about the instrument.
It will be more convenient than driving 60 miles to hear a guy say "That looks about right", then find that half the post is under the bridge foot.

The music director at my church gave me the name of a fellow who maintains stringed instruments for the area schools. He also teaches DB. I'll get with him for lessons, and maintainence help.

Thanks for the advice and cautions. Well taken!