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Double Bass First time bridge replacement

F

Fathomer1977

May 9, 2007
5
1
Upstate NY
#1
I'm looking to start playing bass on a regular basis again. To make a long story short, I haven't played more then every few months for the last 5 years. The bridge is very warped, to the point where I feel it's going to pop out soon. Would it be possible for me to change it myself, using the current bridge for measurements for the strings and height? I've changed my strings and marked the bridge position with tape in the past. Would there be any difference in difficulty in using an adjustable vs. non-adjustable bridge.

I'm in the midst of home repairs, so money is tighter then tight, which is why I'd like to attempt myself. Am I better waiting until I have a few extra $$$ (no time in the foreseeable future)? How much would this typically cost?
 
#2
Fathomer1977 said:
I'm looking to start playing bass on a regular basis again. To make a long story short, I haven't played more then every few months for the last 5 years. The bridge is very warped, to the point where I feel it's going to pop out soon. Would it be possible for me to change it myself, using the current bridge for measurements for the strings and height? I've changed my strings and marked the bridge position with tape in the past. Would there be any difference in difficulty in using an adjustable vs. non-adjustable bridge.

I'm in the midst of home repairs, so money is tighter then tight, which is why I'd like to attempt myself. Am I better waiting until I have a few extra $$$ (no time in the foreseeable future)? How much would this typically cost?
Click to expand...

Warped you say? You mean, it's not straight? Sorry, english is not my mother-tongue.

Anyway, I did ask my luthier about the bridge that wasn't straight. He said that wood remembers the way it used to be. So, you may fix the problem by putting the bridge into hot water for 5-10 minutes. When you pull it out take two larger pieces of straight board and put the bridge in the middle. Then tighten the boards+bridge sandwitch with wice or something. As tight as you can while not cracking the boards. :)

The next day, when you release the wice, you may have a straight bridge again.... if my luthier is right.... I'll have a dark beer, thank you. :)

Danko
 
#3
Danko has a good idea that will save you some money and buy you time. A "straightened" bridge will not stay that way for long, but maybe it will get you past your financial woes. Here's my method: 1) suspend the bridge over a boiling pot of water for 15 minutes or so. Drape a cloth or pot lid over the bridge to keep the steam concentrated. 2) clamp it to a flat board until cool and dry. 3) bake it in the hot sun or in an oven on its lowest setting. In the sun it needs several hours; in the oven maybe an hour.

The baking seems to set the shape, and makes the bridge stay straight longer. However, if it's been warped a long time, you will see some springback. One warning: remove all the rosin from the bridge. That stuff is flammable!
 

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