Double Bass Adjustable bridge/string height question

[bassfiddlesteve]

Can the string height on an adjustable bridge be made even lower by removing a small portion of bridge legs on one side of the adjusters, or is having the top of the bridge resurfaced the only option?

(This is assuming the adjusters are already at their lowest setting)

- Steve

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I have used a compound miter saw to cut above the adjusters. The key is to get the angle exactly right. It's all tricky because changing the height on one side moves the strings sideways and can change the way the feet fit the top. Luthiers earn their money on bridges for sure. There is more to it than one thinks.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Sure it can *BUT* you need to be very accurate with the trimming and you'll probably also need to deepen the holes and thread them.

The decision on whether to re-arch the bridge top or shorten the legs depends on whether there is too much bridge over the heart or not. Some repairmen don't make good decisions about the overall proportions when they cut a new bridge or install adjusters.

 

[bssist]

The decision on whether to re-arch the bridge top or shorten the legs depends on whether there is too much bridge over the heart or not.

Would you elaborate on that please? I know the heart should be centered, but why? What effect does this have whether too low or too high rather than centered?

Thanks.

 

[George700DL]

Would you elaborate on that please? I know the heart should be centered, but why? What effect does this have whether too low or too high rather than centered?

Thanks.

I think Jake was talking about the vertical distance between the heart and the strings. I think Chuck Traeger recommends an inch of wood there and keeping the legs as long as possible. That's one opinion.

I've seen some Kays with really low neck projection angles where there no option but to have very little wood above the heart.

George

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

The key is to get the angle exactly right. It's all tricky because changing the height on one side moves the strings sideways and can change the way the feet fit the top.

I hadn't thought about that but it makes perfect sense. I guess trimming the top is a better option as long as there is enough wood.

- Steve