String spacing and action?

[Matt in TN]

Hello -

Forgive me if I'm using the wrong terms, but I'm trying to find some typical double bass measurements for the spacing between strings as well as the space between the strings and the fingerboard. I'm working on an electric upright and trying to figure out if I'm in the right ballpark. It also would help to know how these measurements/setup affect playability in different styles (ie: jazz basses usually are set with lower action, classically bowed basses are set with higher, etc.).

I realize there's no real "standard", but if anyone with a true upright (3/4 or 4/4 size) would mind taking a few quick measurements for me I'd very much appreciate it.

Any links to this kind of information would be appreciated as well -

Thanks,

Matt

[wayne holmes]

My fellow Tennessean-the spacing between the strings where they cross the bridge can be 5/8 of an inch to 1 and 1/4inch. A one inch space is comfortable for most players who play a 3/4 or 4/4. Some highly proficient players will have them as close as 5/8. When I set up a new bass, I put the G at 8mm and the E at 9mm, and the A and D are at a height for comfortable bowing. (this 8mm etc is the distance from the string to the top of the finger board at the end of the finger board) At the nut, I usually install the strings at most 1/2mm (or however thick painters tape wrapped around the neck 4 times is------some use a credit card for this. The strings are centered in the nut on 3/8 center spacing. The top of the bridge is shaped depending on the type of playing. This is the general way that I set up a new bass. I can change any of it to suit whoever ends up playing it. PM me if you need more details. You will probably find several posts on this subject. Also, if you do a search -how to set up a double bass- you will find some instructions. Good luck

with lots of bass love

[Matt in TN]

Thank you very much Wayne! That is exactly the kind of information I am looking for.

Matt

[Andrew McGregor]

There's an enormous thread down in setup and repair on exactly this.

It depends somewhat on what sort of strings you intend to use.

[Cody Sisk]

I start with 26mm between each string on the bridge grooves and 7mm above the fingerboard on the G and 9 to 10mm above on the E. After that it's up to the player when they come get their instrument..

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by DallasStrings

I start with 26mm between each string on the bridge grooves and 7mm above the fingerboard on the G and 9 to 10mm above on the E. After that it's up to the player when they come get their instrument..

Me too, almost. The strings are 26mm on centre at the bridge and go 6 - 7- 8 - 9 from G to E string.

[bassfixer]

Our string height for classical players can go as low as 5mm on the G and 8mm on the E. For jazz we've gone as low as 3-4mm on the G and 6-7mm. But this only works if have a good shape on your board. Between strings can very a lot depending on your liking.