Double Bass Bridge adjusters: Changing string height depending on the music.

[Fran Diaz]

I don't know if this is the best place to ask this questions but here I go.

I don't have string adjusters on my bass and I don't really need them for the weather around here.
My DB is setup for arco/classical, but I'm also playing some jazz and for that style I find the string height is a little higher than what I'd like. I miss a little growl/fingerboard mwah. So my questions are:

1 - For you guys that have adjusters and use the same bass for classical/jazz, Do you change string height depending on the style of music you play?
2 - Is it practical to do so or are there any issues that escape my mind?
3 - Can I shorten the life of the bridge or damage it (or the bass) by using the adjusters often?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Andrew McGregor]

1) Not often, but I like my strings low for a classical player. I suspect if I end up doing more orchestra work (when my bass ends up in the same country as me), I'll pick them up a bit to create room for playing loud.
2) Yes, it is practical
3) Not really, provided you're careful, drop the tension a bit while doing it, and make sure the bridge stays well-placed.

 

[Fran Diaz]

1) Not often, but I like my strings low for a classical player. I suspect if I end up doing more orchestra work (when my bass ends up in the same country as me), I'll pick them up a bit to create room for playing loud.
2) Yes, it is practical
3) Not really, provided you're careful, drop the tension a bit while doing it, and make sure the bridge stays well-placed.

Thanks a lot Andrew, playing those fff notes is the reason why I keep the bridge higher than I'd like for jazz and even for solo rep. I think that I'm going to put some adjusters on my bridge on my next visit to my luthier.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

3) My bridge with adjusters is 33 years old now with no problems. I recommend large diameter fully round aluminum adjusters. Very easy to turn if installed well. The adjusters with notches are difficult and painful to turn, IMO. A condenser mic can also be clipped to the large ones, if you ever need that.

 

[Fran Diaz]

3) My bridge with adjusters is 33 years old now with no problems. I recommend large diameter fully round aluminum adjusters. Very easy to turn if installed well. The adjusters with notches are difficult and painful to turn, IMO. A condenser mic can also be clipped to the large ones, if you ever need that.

very useful info. Thanks Eric.