Northern VA-Fredericksburg bass luthiers?

PinkFloydDan · #1 06-27-2010, 02:14 PM

Hello

I just bought my first upright, a 1999 C1 Engelhardt. She feels like she is set up for more orchestra playing than bluegrass. The bridge I think also needs upgrading because it is without adjustable wheels.

I'd like to lower the action a bit and have it styled more for bluegrass-country.

Does anyone know of anyone in the Fredericksburg-VA area I can take this to with a new bridge and pickup setup?

Thank you

Eric Hochberg · #2 06-27-2010, 02:20 PM

Thomas Andre, lowstrings.com

PB+J · #3 07-03-2010, 04:59 AM

Yes, definitely Thomas--excellent work, nice guy.

J. Montgomery · #4 07-17-2010, 11:58 AM

I was about to ask the very same question. I also have a mid-90's Engelhardt C1 that has really high action.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a luthier in central Virginia (I'm in Charlottesville)? I just wanted to ask before making the drive to the NoVA/DC.

Thanks

PinkFloydDan · #5 07-17-2010, 12:01 PM

J,

I found a guy over here in Fredericksburg that is really good. Let me know if you want to bring it over here. If your C-1 has the original bridge, that's your problem. It's cheap and worthless.

J. Montgomery · #6 07-24-2010, 12:07 PM

Update:

I just got back from Richmond where I had taken my bass to Mercury Fine Violins, Ltd. He (Brooks Bozman) adjusted the action on my bridge while I waited, and he let me watch him do the work (very cool). My preliminary experience is really good. I'd highly recommend the shop.

I'm embarrassed to say that my bridge was on backwards!!! Thats in addition to having action that was more comparable to a suspension bridge than to an upright bass. He got everything trimmed down and now the action is like butta'