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Double Bass Any Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an Upright Bass?

E

Ethan Eriksen

Jul 13, 2012
132
14
30
#1
I'm mainly having trouble with my bridge. I have bridge adjusters so the feet turn. No matter how much I measure I can't seem to get the feet aligned, the bridge perfectly parallel, and the bridge perfectly centered between the two notches. Perhaps I'm trying to be too precise and a small amount of variation is okay? Is this one of those things where I need to take it in to a luthier to get it set up properly? If so, how long does it typically take? How much might this cost? I've never actually owned a bass (this is a school bass) so I'm a bit clueless. :help:
 
#4
Take it to an experienced bass luthier. It may be something he can adjust in five minutes, or the bridge may need to be worked on. At least you will know what the issues are with the instrument, and it might not cost so much to fix.
 
#5
It's not a plutonium critical-mass kind of measurement. But I can understand why you'd want to get it right.

Does the bridge keep moving when you try to tighten the strings? If so, perhaps you can enlist a family member or friend to hold it in place.

If the matter is eyeballing the distance correctly, try this:

1.) Draw a pencil line between the notches in the f-holes.

2.) Mark an equivalent line on the bridge feet.

3.) Align and tighten.

4.) Erase pencil marks.

That said, know that a luthier might decide that a little tweak off of that meridian might improve the sound. And they might be right.
 
#6
Jsn said:
It's not a plutonium critical-mass kind of measurement. But I can understand why you'd want to get it right.

Does the bridge keep moving when you try to tighten the strings? If so, perhaps you can enlist a family member or friend to hold it in place.

If the matter is eyeballing the distance correctly, try this:

1.) Draw a pencil line between the notches in the f-holes.

2.) Mark an equivalent line on the bridge feet.

3.) Align and tighten.

4.) Erase pencil marks.

That said, know that a luthier might decide that a little tweak off of that meridian might improve the sound. And they might be right.
Click to expand...

I think my main issue is getting the feet to stay straight since they turn because of the bridge adjusters. It's hard to get them to stay parallel to the bridge. Any tips?
 
#7
Swing Doom said:
I think my main issue is getting the feet to stay straight since they turn because of the bridge adjusters. It's hard to get them to stay parallel to the bridge. Any tips?
Click to expand...

Threads up or down? The adjusters have to be free to turn without grabbing the feet. If it's just a slick finish on the top, a little rosin under the feet may help. Try holding the feet while you turn...
 

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