double bass set-up person/shop in NYC

chuck3 · #1 07-24-2009, 09:23 PM

Can anyone recommend a person or shop in NYC for setting up a double bass? This is an Upton Standard gamba ply. I think the bridge has "migrated" a little and just needs to be re-set. I could take it to Upton but they're a little far away for this. I could also try it myself, but I wanted to see what professional options I have before doing that.

Thanks.

salcott · #2 07-24-2009, 09:27 PM

David Gage in NYC; Arnold Schnitzer if you're closer to Brewster.

Martin Sheridan · #3 07-25-2009, 08:53 AM

You can do this yourself, and ought to learn how. One of the advantages of buying from a bass dealer in your area and not by mail is that they'll show you how to do this stuff.

The feet of the bridge should be centered on the inside nicks on the f-hole. Did you have the bridge off? The back side is flat and the front is carved back or slanted towards the tailpiece and the low side is on the G string side which will also have the smallest groove to accomodate that string.

After you position it correctly make sure the feet are flat and that the front is slanted back. I use what I call a "bass persuader". It's an old sharpening steel that I can use to tap the bridge back and forth both to postion the bridge with the inside nicks and to make sure it's got the right tilt back angle. Lossening the strings a little might help, but if you do make sure to re check the bridge angle. You ought to do this every time you tune anyway as the bridge tends to get pulled forward when you tune it. To help prevent that take some pencil and pencil the grooves of the bridge to help the strings slide easier. Do one at a time and then tune that string back up to pitch.

chuck3 · #4 07-25-2009, 04:36 PM

Thanks. I think I am going to try it myself ... but if I screw up, at least I know where to take it.

Ed Fuqua · #5 07-25-2009, 09:06 PM

You should check out the Upton ISB blog, they apparently have picked up on a Clever Thing thought up by Jean Aury, which is a piece of would that is notched so that one end fits against the end of the fingerboard and the other fits over your bridge when it's properly positioned. That way you know where to knock and push to get it precisely back into position.

Mark Carlsen · #6 07-26-2009, 06:54 AM

I believe some of us have been making those sticks for years .....

Ed Fuqua · #7 07-26-2009, 05:26 PM

And you refused to tell me because...

Mark Carlsen · #8 07-26-2009, 09:47 PM

Actually I would make these for clients who would NOT learn how to check their bridge once a week or so and were challenged on how to measure the string length on their bass.
Mine are not as fancy as Jean's, but I don't see what the big Hub-Bub over this thing is ...It's not Rocket Science here.....

Ed Fuqua · #9 07-26-2009, 10:33 PM

which is totally me. JefeJeff tried to get me to overcome my fear of bride whackage but was entirely unable to (I'm not gonna hit it, it's my BASS), this would be a Good Thing for a moron like me to have.

Please, you nice, you give me one...

duckyincarnate · #10 07-27-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

overcome my fear of bride whackage

Careful now...

Martin Sheridan · #11 07-27-2009, 06:48 AM

What about when your fingerboard isn't the standard length? Some years back I forgot to cut the fingerboard down to standard and the first guy who played the bass was thrilled to get a couple of extra notes. Now I only cut them to standard if that's what the player wants. So if my fingerboards is, say, 20mm longer, how would the Clever Thing be of use?

Mark Carlsen · #12 07-27-2009, 07:48 AM

Each one is custom fit for the bass it is intended for.... Again I just used shim stock and cut so they perfectly fit in between the bridge and the end of the FB. There is no standard size here.....

**Matthew Tucker** · #13 07-27-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Carlsen

I don't see what the big Hub-Bub over this thing is ...It's not Rocket Science here.....

I have this idea for a pocket inclinometer so that you can set your bass at the right angle to your body every time. Anyone interested?

RCWilliams · #14 07-27-2009, 08:38 AM

How about a bridge jack that clips to the end of the finger boars and allows yo to jack the bridge in either direction to adjust it to just the right position, perhaps with an led that lights up when you hit the mark.

Mark Carlsen · #15 07-27-2009, 11:30 AM

Hey if you can get guys to buy it, then more power to ya..... I use a .03 piece of shim stock that I get from Home Repo and a little fitting, one cut, and some sanding and your good to go. Mine are free too....

Don Higdon · #16 07-29-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

which is totally me. JefeJeff tried to get me to overcome my fear of bride whackage but was entirely unable to (I'm not gonna hit it, it's my BASS), this would be a Good Thing for a moron like me to have.

Arnold taught me how to move a bridge even under full tension. I'm the original chicken. Scared the hell out of me, but it works.

Jake deVilliers · #17 07-31-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

I have this idea for a pocket inclinometer so that you can set your bass at the right angle to your body every time. Anyone interested?

And a GPS to set the endpin height!

Don Higdon · #18 08-01-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck3

Can anyone recommend a person or shop in NYC for setting up a double bass?

Your profile also says "Hudson Valley" which puts you not so far from Arnold Schnitzer in Brewster.

chuck3 · #19 08-03-2009, 07:42 PM

thanks for the suggestions. I am going to grapple with it this week when my teacher is over for a lesson (yup, still learning), and if we can't do it, it's off to Gage or Schnitzer (which, will depend on the travel schedule, but thanks for suggesting both).