Holy Moly - anybody in NYC have an "extra" bridge lying around?

MainerVainer · #1 11-03-2009, 07:08 PM

Hey guys, long-time reader, first time caller.

I a 'new' freelancer in the NYC area (returning after a few years away). I'm flying overseas for a fun gig, and the contractor was going to arrange to have a bass for me, so I didn't have to trunk it.

Well.... he just asked I could bring my strings and a bridge. Wat?? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okaaaay..... Well, beggars can't be choosers. So it looks like I'll be setting up a bass for the first time. Anybody in the NYC area have an extra bridge w/ adjusters and maybe a soundpost they could loan me?? I guess I'll need some shims, also. I promise to take absolute care of the bridge. The post I'd have to buy from ya.

You'd be saving my butt - all help greatly appreciated!

Best,

Vainer.

PM me or whatever and I can give you my real name and references and all that. I'm just a regular old classical player, not some weird bridge-thief.

M0ses · #2 11-03-2009, 07:10 PM

This "contractor" hires you, but can't even produce a bass with a BRIDGE?!?! And you're flying OVERSEAS to get there?

I wouldn't even do it.

Ask him if he'll fly you to Milwaukee, I'll lend you a bridge

drurb · #3 11-03-2009, 07:41 PM

You're planning to put a bridge, which is always specifically cut for ONE particular bass, on another bass?

The "contractor" has a bass for you but it is not set up at all?

I see HUGE warning signs-- don't you?

dmusic148 · #4 11-03-2009, 07:45 PM

Gotta agree- this has 'bad trip' written all over it. I seriously doubt it will be fun. Better trunk it.

MR PC · #5 11-03-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MainerVainer

I'm just a regular old classical player, not some weird bridge-thief.

Of course not. You'd have to be a dentist moonlighting as a flautist to qualify for that nomenclature.

Brent Nussey · #6 11-03-2009, 10:13 PM

I don't think they're planning to provide him a bass with no bridge or strings. I think the contractor looked into renting/borrowing a bass, and the renter/loaner said ok, but they're not willing to set the bass up to the player's request, so he should bring his own strings and bridge to set the bass up to his liking. In many other places in the world, adjusters are not so common, so bringing your own bridge would be the only way to get string height the way you want it. I admit, I would just say "he'll have to deal with the setup we have," but if you own a shop or a bunch of rental instruments, I can easily see how the conversation over the details of the rental would end up with "well tell him he should probably bring his own strings and bridge." I would think especially if you told the contractor your preference for strings and/or string height, this is the most likely explanation.

salcott · #7 11-03-2009, 10:27 PM

A "fun" gig usually means the money will be lousy or nonexistent. "Bring your own bridge"? This "contractor" or whatever obviously knows less than nothing about double basses. Be ready to find your own way home if you take this gig.

bassist14 · #8 11-04-2009, 02:07 AM

hello vainer

maybe you can tell us where the gig will be. so you could get the chance to find someone local who could help you

robobass · #9 11-04-2009, 05:50 AM

BYOB?
Just to be sure. Bring along a fingerboard as well.

Jake deVilliers · #10 11-04-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MainerVainer

Hey guys, long-time reader, first time caller.

I a 'new' freelancer in the NYC area (returning after a few years away). I'm flying overseas for a fun gig, and the contractor was going to arrange to have a bass for me, so I didn't have to trunk it.

Well.... he just asked I could bring my strings and a bridge. Wat?? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DARTHVAINER, I would just take a set of strings and enough tools to completely re-work the bridge and nut. You'll want a set of joint files to redo the string slots in nut and bridge and a couple of files to re-shape the bridge top to suit the new string heights.

Let us know how it turns out, would you?

Good luck, Jake

drurb · #11 11-04-2009, 10:07 AM

This is nuts. The OP implied that he would not be modifying the bridge he borrowed. Of course, without re-working the bridge as Jake suggested, there'd be no way it would fit correctly. Any rental outfit who might figure that a reasonable solution is for the player to bring his own bridge and strings would seem to know frighteningly little about double basses. That is, unless they figured the player would carve and re-work the bridge on the spot. I don't see why a rental outfit would want to have someone doing that to a bass they rented, especially if the bass was of any substantial value. This has "nightmare" written all over it.

Cody Sisk · #12 11-04-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robobass

BYOB?
Just to be sure. Bring along a fingerboard as well.

+1, This kind of situation warrants strong drink..

bassdoubler · #13 11-04-2009, 10:39 AM

Ha this wouldn't happen to be the "Post No Bills" show would it?

salcott · #14 11-04-2009, 10:18 PM

My calender says April 1st is a long way off...

wayne holmes · #15 11-07-2009, 09:28 PM

what's the latest MV - did you get a bridge? Thanks again for the laughs. When I think about you during the time from when you step off the plane to the first rehearsal- well, I'm not sure how to explain it because I have never had feelings like this before. It's not empathy, no, not sympathy, apathy with sweat perhaps. I just keep seeing the orchestra warming up for the concert on a well lighted stage and then I picture you in a darkened back stage with bowtie dangling, sweating drops of blood, glasses blurred from your baited breath. Your mind races as you try to finish painting the roll of toilet paper you borrowed from the restroom to use for a bridge. And you wonder- will anyone notice- and you answer yourself "probably not"

But, I hope that you do go and that you give us a good report.