Double Bass Are my adjusters out too far?

[Calvin Marks]

My G string is only ~6.25mm off from the fingerboard and would like to get it to 7 under the G, 8 under the D, 9 for the A, and 10 for the E but not sure if my threads are out too far already?
Thx!

 

[Paps]

To start the ball rolling; I can only give an amateur opinion and have no expert credentials whatsoever.
What I want to ask is does that extra 0.75mm really matter?
As I'm sure it does, I think those screws are out plenty far enough.
As per a recent similar thread, you can either add maple shims to the lower foot portion of the bridge where the screws enter or get a higher bridge made.
https://www.talkbass.com/posts/28124665/

 

[the_Ryan]

I think you're probably safe for at least a full turn, most adjusters go pretty deep into the bridge foot.

 

[turf3]

Looks to me like you got a bunch of nothin' holding that thing together. Are the feet of the bridge threaded, in which case you can't have many threads engaged? Or do the wheels move on the threaded post, in which case you can't have much post sticking into the upper half of the bridge?

Keep in mind, we're talking about a setup that starts out pretty pessimal, machine threads cut into wood. Jack it way out like that and any little side load is likely to rip the remaining couple threads right out of the wood.

 

[Calvin Marks]

Looks to me like you got a bunch of nothin' holding that thing together. Are the feet of the bridge threaded, in which case you can't have many threads engaged? Or do the wheels move on the threaded post, in which case you can't have much post sticking into the upper half of the bridge?

Keep in mind, we're talking about a setup that starts out pretty pessimal, machine threads cut into wood. Jack it way out like that and any little side load is likely to rip the remaining couple threads right out of the wood.

Good point. I think I will bring it in to a violin maker and have him copy the existing bridge but just make it taller! Sometimes when I turn the adjusters the feet will shift, so I guess it isn't fully engaged.

 

[bassmanbrent]

I think I will bring it in to a violin maker and have him copy the existing bridge but just make it taller!

A luthier should be able to add a little maple to the legs of your existing bridge. That'd be way cheaper than getting a new bridge cut.

 

[ejnachtrab]

We were just having this conversation a few threads down. Here are my before/after pics.

 

[Calvin Marks]

We were just having this conversation a few threads down. Here are my before/after pics. View attachment 5326738View attachment 5326739

Interesting! Apart from getting more stability, has the sound changed?

 

[ejnachtrab]

Interesting! Apart from getting more stability, has the sound changed?

In so far as I have the string height where I want it, yes. It’s hard to pin down the change in sound because I changed strings (to Perpetuals w/Stark G) right before the big weather change, so that’s new too.

 

[Calvin Marks]

In so far as I have the string height where I want it, yes. It’s hard to pin down the change in sound because I changed strings (to Perpetuals w/Stark G) right before the big weather change, so that’s new too.

Aren't those adjusters installed upside down?

 

[ejnachtrab]

Aren't those adjusters installed upside down?

Nope.

 

[powerbass]

I make aluminum shims (1/16" & 1/8") that fill the gap between adjuster and bridge, makes the bridge more stable and essential makes a solid bridge. I did this because I noticed a bit of tilt going on between bridge parts which impacted the tone.

 

[Paps]

There's more than one way to skin a cat!

 

[JBarz]

A luthier should be able to add a little maple to the legs of your existing bridge. That'd be way cheaper than getting a new bridge cut.

I like to use koa wood knife scales for this purpose. This is the second bass I’ve put them in. I don’t know if it’s doing anything for the tone, but if not, I’ll take the placebo ‘cause it works great.