string height set-up

[Mike D.]

Hey all,
This one is for the luthiers or any knowledgeable players reading this post.
What is the way to measure the string hight or action of a bass? I've read that this is done at the end of the fingerboard, distance from string to the top of the fingerboard. Wouldn't this be subject to change with basses varying in string length and fingerboard length? I was told that a standard fingerboard length should be up to a high D (2nd "D" above concert key middle "C" on "G" string, or "D" above 2nd octave "G" harmonic on "G" string).
What is the typical fingerboard length in terms of last available note on the most north-west corner of ebony fingerboard on the bass?
Also, what are your thoughts on actual string height preferences. I know this is a pretty personal topic and can vary greatly player-to-player as for taste and usage of the instrument. Let's say a typical orchestral set-up that's not wimpy low nor impossibly high and has accessible thumb positions for repertoire building.
also, let's say for a typical jazz pizz set-up that's not wimpy low nor impossibly high, has accessible thumb positions for soloing without compromising "time" playing and tone, as well as the possibility of playing arco.
Would there be much difference in these set-ups?
My situation is a 3/4 bass with a string length of about 41 inches (maybe 41 and then some). the fingerboard stops at about one "B" flat (almost "B" natural) above concert key middle "C" on the "G" string ("B" above 2nd octave "G" harmonic on the "G" string). What would be some recommendations on string heights for the orchestral and jazz set-ups described above?
All help is appreciated and I thank you all in advance.
Mike D

[KSB - Ken Smith]

The B/Bb is about the 'older' standard length. With Orchestra players wanting their Bass ready for solos as well, the new length on many Basses I have seen is about a 'D'.

For height, the 'G' is the lowest and the 'E' the highest. Providing the FB has a good or rather matching arch for the players' set-up I have seen (measured at the end of the Fb) 4, 5, or 6mm height on the 'G' depending on the players preference and this is for Steel Strings. Then the height progresses about 1 - 1.5 mm height off the end of the Fb per string moving towards the 'E' string.

There are several Threads/Posts on this so just do a search here.

The measurement is the actual space between the underside of the String and the Fingerboard under it.