G string not vibrating properly

[BelfastBass]

I've recently strung my bass with a set of EPs and am having some probs with the G string. When bowed, the string doesn't seem to be vibrating enough and I think the bridge notch might be restricting its movement. I read somewhere, that, as a rule of thumb, a bridge notch shouldn't be any deeper than half the string thickness and if this is the case, I think this could be the problem as mine is slightly deeper.

Without taking my bass to a luthier - mine is a 5 hr drive away, is there anything I can do to the bridge to improve the situation, such as flattening out the V at the bottom of the notch to help the string vibrate more? Obviously, if this isn't going to help, I'll resist the temptation instead of risking messing up my bridge.

Would appreciate any advice - this situation isn't doing my less than silky smooth arco any great favours!

[Jake deVilliers]

The string notch should be a perfect little semi-circle to support the string in a comfy way with no pinching.

For depth, half the thickness of the string is good, 1/3 can be even better. The string slot should be rounded off on both ends too.

[BelfastBass]

Thanks Jake, I'll get my hands on a small file and proceed with caution.

Rod.

[forester]

try jd's fix first...see if the notch is indeed the prob..look elsewhere too, wouldn't be the first time new strings had a dead one in the set adjustable bridge ? i have "freshened" many bridges by striking a new arc through the notches to the depth i need...then resize to correctness... finnish off tool marks etc. another good reason for adj. bridges.