DIY Setup

[joee.bass]

I have recently pulled my double bass out of storage and it's all sorts of jacked up. I would like to re-adjust the bridge to intonate the instrument, but I also would like to lower the action.

Does anyone know of a resource that can teach a total moron how to do basic bridge setup on a double bass? I prefer video so that I can actually see it done.

[fdeck]

I recently got "The Setup and Repair of the Double Bass for Optimum Sound" by Chuck Traeger. If nothing else, reading the setup sections would let you judge whether it is a job that you want to tackle.

Now I'm not a luthier, but I speculate that if the instrument has changed drastically, there might be something structural going on. Is the soundpost still erect? Bass bar attached? Neck tight? Belly and back attached all the way around?

[uprightbass.com]

Originally Posted by joee.bass

I would like to re-adjust the bridge to intonate the instrument

Huh?

[fdeck]

"Intonate" comes from the electric bass world, where bridges are adjustable to change the individual string lengths in order to get the best possible intonation up and down the fretted fingerboard.

To the OP, some pics might help the peanut gallery assess specifically what's going on.

[Gearhead43]

He might just mean the bridge has slid out of place.

[bigolbassguy]

I think you should take it to a professional. Messing around with the bridge - putting it in the wrong place - removing it improperly - can damage your instrument. Lowering the action requires tools and knowledge. It sounds like it needs to go see a doctor.

Pics would still be appreciated, though.

[joee.bass]

Thanks for the feedback. I definitely would like to take it to a professional, but I just moved to a town that does not have one and I don't really have the time to make two trips to the nearest luthier. I am in the army band, so I foresee this being the situation for a while so I wouldn't mind gaining the skills myself.

[1st Bass]

Get Chuck Traeger's book. You will be glad you did.