Bridge alignment perpendicular to strings

PCPlod · #1 02-04-2006, 01:32 PM

Hi,

I've searched as many threads about bridge alignment as I could but could not find the answer to this problem so I'm sorry if it's already been covered.

Looking down the strings on my bass, the E is significantly closer to the outside edge than the G string and I wonder whether I have knocked the bridge sideways.

How can I check whether this is the case? Where should the bridge be? Should the space between the A and D string be exactly mid-way across the fingerboard?

As it plays well (enough for me), should I worry?

Thanks for any help!

nicklloyd · #2 02-04-2006, 01:53 PM

Ideally the overhang of the fingerboard should be the same for the G and E strings. If you want, tune all the strings down a whole step, then gently knock the bridge over to the G side. If this is too risky for you and the bass plays fine, then just leave it. You can always have it adjusted later.

deaf pea · #3 02-04-2006, 02:24 PM

If your bass is a neck-through, well, I don't know, you COULD mess with the bridge. BUT, if it's a bolt-on, for sure it's a neck problem, NOT a bridge problem. First, tighten all the screws that hold the neck on to the body. Then, holding the body by the lower (g -string side) horn and pull the neck (up by the headstock) over to the side a little bit, evening up the distance of the outside strings to the edge of the fingerboard. This is a VERY common "fault" of Fender basses and is easily corrected. Good Luck

nicklloyd · #4 02-04-2006, 02:28 PM

deaf pea, maybe you should change your name to blind pea?

ToR-Tu-Ra · #5 02-04-2006, 02:40 PM

anonymous0726 · #6 02-04-2006, 02:53 PM

Neck-through double bass? Kinda like a Gibson 335? That'd have to weigh in at about 350lbs.

deaf pea · #7 02-04-2006, 03:10 PM

OOPS! I did't sleep much this morning after working all night and, as I like to keep up on ALL things pertaining to bass (double-bass AND bass guitar), I regularly read the posts on both sides. Oh well, I didn't notice that this was a question on the "double-bass" side . . . and IT HAS BEEN a common problem with my bolt-on Fender basses . . . Soooo . . .

PCPlod · #8 02-05-2006, 07:30 AM

Thanks Nick (and other for your contributions).
I've shifted the bridge a little as you suggest and nothing much has happened, except, obviously, the strings are more central.