String length question

Kylebass · #1 08-08-2006, 07:28 AM

Is it possible to change the string length on a bass without and drastic alterations? I once heard of having the nut extended over the fingerboard to make the strings slightly shorter. Have any of you done this?

vindy500 · #2 08-08-2006, 07:35 AM

if by drastic alterations you mean moving everysingle fret, then no its not possible

Kylebass · #3 08-08-2006, 07:48 AM

I mean on an upright bass without frets.

vindy500 · #4 08-08-2006, 08:28 AM

sorry linked here from the homepage and didnt notice the forum. my bad

Kylebass · #5 08-09-2006, 07:59 AM

It's a 42 1/2 inch 7/8 size Shen that's about 10 years old. The heel lies somewhere between D and Eb. It would be cool if I could bring it down to an even 42 inches. I can get around the thing but I have to stretch my hand a little wider than I would like sometimes. It is beginning to get a little bothersome.

Kylebass · #6 08-10-2006, 07:45 AM

Thanks for the info Ken. Moving the bridge up 1/2 makes it much more comfortable to play. It did tighten up the sound a little bit but im sure a quick soundpost adjustment could fix that. I don't know what model of shen it is. I bought it from Bob's house of basses on consignment. He said it was about 10 years old. It looks just like the 7/8 Willow on the website but is much lighter in color and has a round back. There is no X bracing on the inside like the ones they are makeing now. There is a piece of what looks like burlap inside going along the seam of the back. It has a great sound. I have been told it sounds better than a lot of basses that cost thousands more. Good times!

Silversorcerer · #7 08-22-2006, 01:54 AM

In my experience, if you move the soundpost as much as a half an inch, the post will most likely need to be refitted. If yours is a flatback, you just might get away with just moving it. Most soundposts that are fitted, fit one place only.