Bridge Bend

[kingbolterz]

Hey folks, my first time posting here, just with a question for you all. My double bass has recently developed quite a significant bend in the bridge and I'm just wondering about you're ideas for resolving this without getting a new bridge. My teacher recommended steeping it in water for about 8 hours and letting it dry out, and not that I don't trust his judgement but I would just like to know some other opinions on how to remedie this.

Many Thanks, Thomas

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

A luthier can advise you on this so if you can find one, do.
Whatever you decide, know that bridges just don't 'develop' a bend. They bend towards the fingerboard because the strings pull them that way when they are tuned up. If you keep an eye on it and push it back into place (the bottom should be perfectly straight and perpendicular to the top) you will probably never need another bridge.

[vejesse]

You can try steaming the bridge and clamping it flat. This probably won't work with bridges made from Chinese wood however.

[jtlownds]

I have several friends who have steamed/soaked a bridge, and clamped it straight. It worked, straightened the bridge right out, but it returned to it's warped state in a relatively short time span. You're probably better off just getting a new bridge fitted.

[Cody Sisk]

Originally Posted by jtlownds

I have several friends who have steamed/soaked a bridge, and clamped it straight. It worked, straightened the bridge right out, but it returned to it's warped state in a relatively short time span. You're probably better off just getting a new bridge fitted.

+1, this will buy you some time so you can save your pennies for a new bridge..

[wayne holmes]

Bring water to a boil in a pan large enough for the bridge-, stick it in the water and if the bridge still has any backbone to it, it will streighten out in 2 to 10 minutes. You can then place the bridge on a flat surface with weight on it or clamp it for a few days while it drys. It should be good as new as for as the shape- I have done this a few times and it has always worked. Good luck- the best thing, however, is to get a new bridge as soon as you can.

[kingbolterz]

Thanks guys for getting back, I'll try out the boiling water, I think thats similar to what my teacher was suggesting, see if that works out and then look about a new bridge.

Again, many thanks

[bejoyous]

When you put the strings back on, it's a good idea to lift the string from the bridge notch a few times as you tune it up. Put the bass on its back. Place a hand on each side of the bridge with your thumbs on the edge of the bridge. Then push down with your thumbs and pull up with your fingers. You only need to raise it a millimeter or two to equalize the tension. (You'll appreciate the incredible amount of pressure that is on the belly of the instrument as well.)

This will even the tension along the string. If you don't do this the tension will be greater on the fingerboard side and the bridge bends.

I continue to do this for about a week after I initially tune up the strings until they stabilize.

Also, remember to lubricate the notch with lots of pencil before putting the string back on.

A paperback novel works well to occasionally straighten the bridge a bit when it is not quite perpendicular. It's got a bit of heft and the paper absorbs some of the shock of hitting the wood.

[William Hoffman]

Originally Posted by kingbolterz

...and then look about a new bridge. Again, many thanks

...an idea for your new bridge that eliminates bridge bend, keeps the feet flat at all times, and has been shown to improve transmission of vibration to the top.

http://www.moser-mpm.com/wEnglish/pr...produkt1.shtml