Random question...

[kmanley_29649]

Are certain bridges better than others? Do they really have that much of an effect on the tone of your bass? If so, what are the best bridges?

[Andrew McGregor]

Yes, yes, and it depends almost completely on your bass just like everything else in double bass equipment.

That said, the Mirecourt bridges are pretty famous for working well on nearly any bass.

But then, a luthier should be able to make one. Question is, can they be bothered?

[MIKMAN]

A well constructed bridge, made from hard, seasoned maple can make a difference in the sound, given that it will be fitted by a decent luthier. The luthier can determine the curvature, the legs' width and the proper placing on the top table, all of them crucial details to sound production.
As for trade marks try the Aubert and the Teller bridges. They are both excellent in all aspects.
Finally ,as a word of caution, please avoid the cheap Chinese e-bay bridges, since they are made by unseasoned or softer maple and they are prone to warping.
Mike

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Copied from another thread:
Sadly, I know what you mean. The bridge on my main axe was cut too low, causing the adjusters to be cranked about half way out of the feet. Don't know if that affects sound quality, but I suspect the fact that there isn't much wood above the heart isn't a plus in the sound department. The bridge is a lower quality Aubert.

In cleaning out some old parts, I found a 3/4 Mirecourt bridge with more than enough height that was drilled and tapped for the same adjusters so I spent several hours re-fitting the feet. It took me about three hours just to do the feet.

Then, removing 5mm from each side above the adjusters! No band saw, but I got them on the first try on a compound miter saw. The adjusters fit perfectly flush with no scraping or sanding. Nice!

Adjusting the thickness and curve was done with an orbital sander. Filing the notches was easy.

All-in-all, it was about a five hour job but the bass sounds better and I'm glad I did it, but you guys doing this for a living earn every penny.

Leading to this:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...21#post9224421

And this, again copied:
Last night I adjusted my string mix back to a mittel E, A and D with an Olive G and got back some magic. Pizz is exactly what I want and arco is very manageable.
Really, this well-cut, Mirecourt bridge almost killed off the wolf tone. Dunno if it's due to a better proportioned bridge or hardened wood or whatever, but it's all good.

Thanks to JazzMan for mentioning his experience with minimizing wolfiness by using an Aubert Mirecourt bridge.

To anyone considering a new bridge I recommend getting the best. It's worth it.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by kmanley_29649

Are certain bridges better than others? Do they really have that much of an effect on the tone of your bass? If so, what are the best bridges?

I prefer to use Despiau bridges. The higher grade Auberts are made of good wood but I think the Despiaus are better looking.

[Cody Sisk]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

I prefer to use Despiau bridges. The higher grade Auberts are made of good wood but I think the Despiaus are better looking.

I agree, I really like the Despiaus..

[JtheJazzMan]

Yes the hardened aubert or despiau bridges make a difference. When you tap them they have a higher tone compared to softer bridges.

The biggest difference for me was the harder bridge cut down on the nasally midrange frequencies around 2-5k hz. Sounds nicer with the bow.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by JtheJazzMan

Yes the hardened aubert or despiau bridges make a difference. When you tap them they have a higher tone compared to softer bridges.

The biggest difference for me was the harder bridge cut down on the nasally midrange frequencies around 2-5k hz. Sounds nicer with the bow.

Yes, arco is now much better.

[JtheJazzMan]

Originally Posted by clink

Yes, arco is now much better.

On spirocores too? Do you have a way to record it?

Im curious about what tone other jazz bassists get on them, since Im moving towards more classically oriented music and so far have had no reason to ditch the spiros.

I may put a clip up in an hour or so since Im recording at the moment.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I'm spending next weekend in the studio. Arco will be limited to whole notes but if it's good, I'll figure out a way to put up some clips.

[JtheJazzMan]

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9239664

Well thats my effort for what its worth.

Damn these strings really expose mistakes.

Back to the shed for me.......