Correct Neck Angle/Overstand

[reedo35]

I have a question about the proper neck set for Arco Playing. On my bass, the overstand is just over 3/4 and the bridge (w/no adjustment)at the top is just under 6 inches. If this is out of the range of the correct measurements, what can be done to correct it? A little history, when I first got my bass, it had a 1/4 inch shim under the fingerboard. Later I had the fingerboard replaced and the shim was removed. Now in comparison to other basses, my bridge seems rather short. So what are my choices for this type of correction,
A. A new shim under the fingerboard? B. A total reset of the neck?
C. other options?

[Alex Scott]

I had my neck reset with a little spacer block put at the back. This was feasible because my bass had no neck block, and I was getting one put in after the neck fell off.

I actually had this done to two basses over the years and both were an improvement.

I can see how this might even give you less tension, it seems the angle would be more important. The playability was increased on both, although so much other work was done I can't say what helped the sound the most.

Dan Hachez recommended this on the first bass when it was at Robertson's for repairs. He just thought it would improve the sound, and the bass was much improved when it came back.

[flatback]

I'm really interested in any info regarding overstand too. I have a Tyrolean with no block and a short bridge and not much overstand. I was under the impression that I would have to have a block put in in order to increase the overstand. Is there another way? Somehow I just cant get $3000 dollars ahead to have a block and board put in. But I'd love to hear what other possibilities ther are...
Thanks

[arnoldschnitzer]

Originally Posted by reedo35

I have a question about the proper neck set for Arco Playing. On my bass, the overstand is just over 3/4 and the bridge (w/no adjustment)at the top is just under 6 inches. If this is out of the range of the correct measurements, what can be done to correct it?

Your overstand and bridge are both low. The height of overstand should be set dependent on how obtrusive the shoulders of the bass are. On a very sloped-shouldered bass, about an inch (25-26mm) is fine. On a very broad-shouldered bass, more like 1 1/2 inches (38-40mm) will work best. Too high and you have to stretch your bow arm too far away from your body. Too low and transitioning to thumb position is difficult. Optimal height for the bridge is between 6 1/4 and 7 inches, depending on the top arch and waist of the bass. Also, a bass with a weak top plate needs as low a bridge as is practical, to avoid adding damaging pressure. You were probably better off when you had the shim under the fingerboard, though that can make the neck feel really thick. A professional neck re-set is your best option (along with a new bridge).

[reedo35]

I hesitate to ask, but what kind of financial damage am I looking at? I'm thinking $350 to 400 for a bridge and $450 - 600 for the neck job. is this about right?

[arnoldschnitzer]

I don't discuss repair prices on the internet. It's impossible to accurately estimate a job without physically inspecting it. That said, you are WAY low on the neck work.

[Jeff Guevin]

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

I don't discuss repair prices on the internet. It's impossible to accurately estimate a job without physically inspecting it. That said, you are WAY low on the neck work.

I had a similar issue, and I just tied four broom handles together, superglued them to where the neck used to be, and nailed a two by four to it. These luthiers charge way too much for the basic carpentry they do.

Pics later.