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Double Bass Bridge and nut slot sizing

Selim

Selim

Supporting Member
Jun 2, 2008
2,073
2,065
New York City
#1
Trying an Oliv G for the first time -- I'm wondering if it's okay to install this Oliv G with the bridge and nut slots sized the way they are, or if I need to widen them -- in which case I'd just pay the luthier to have the string professionally installed (but I'd rather avoid the trip, if possible).

Here is the bridge slot with the Oliv sitting in it:
oliv in bridge.JPG


The bridge was cut for a Polychrome G string, which I guess is fatter G than most. Here is a pic of the Oliv and Poly side by side (Oliv on the left):

oliv n poly.JPG


Here is the Oliv in nut slot:
oliv in nut.JPG


Professional opinions? I don't want to ruin the (expensive) Oliv.

Thanks!
 
#2
Does the string fit to the floor of the grooves in the the nut and bridge? You can usually find a cheap set of small Chinese files in a hardware store and one of them is usually round and tapered. Find the portion that is about the diameter of the string and use this to carefully widen the grooves slightly so that the string sits down nicely and can move. The groove in the bridge is rounded on both ends to help the string curve over and hopefully avoid or delay the winding being broken apart by the angle. Follow the curve in the nut groove so that where the string leaves the groove is the high point. This creates the string stop and avoids any rattles. Have the string about half sunk into the grooves. To finish up use a soft lead pencil to coat the inside of the grooves with graphite, a dry lubricant.

Good luck and keep safe. DP
 
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#3
David Potts said:
Does the string fit to the floor of the grooves in the the nut and bridge? You can usually find a cheap set of small Chinese files in a hardware store and one of them is usually round and tapered. Find the portion that is about the diameter of the string and use this to carefully widen the grooves slightly so that the string sits down nicely and can move. The groove in the bridge is rounded on both ends to help the string curve over and hopefully avoid or delay the winding being broken apart by the angle. Follow the curve in the nut groove so that where the string leaves the groove is the high point. This creates the string stop and avoids any rattles. Have the string about half sunk into the grooves. To finish up use a soft lead pencil to coat the inside of the grooves with graphite, a dry lubricant.

Good luck and keep safe. DP
Click to expand...
Very thorough— thanks, and same to you!
 
#8
David Potts said:
Does the string fit to the floor of the grooves in the the nut and bridge?
Click to expand...
Yes.

AGCurry said:
The slot sizes look fine to me. Let us know how you like the Oliv!
Click to expand...
Well, I went ahead and installed the Oliv today.

All I can say right now is: Wow! It's everything I imagined/hoped for and more. Could it be the perfect G string?(!)
(Fingers crossed it doesn't suffer the unwinding and early demise that others have reported here.)

Jim Dombrowski said:
When I installed the Oliv G on my bass, I had to open up the slot in the tailpiece because the windings at the ball end were so thick.
Click to expand...
I didn't do any filing, but it was a pretty stiff fit into the slot.
 
#9
Selim said:
Well, I went ahead and installed the Oliv today.

All I can say right now is: Wow! It's everything I imagined/hoped for and more. Could it be the perfect G string?(!)
(Fingers crossed it doesn't suffer the unwinding and early demise that others have reported here.)
Click to expand...

I don't know about perfect, but damn close. I think Olivs can be pretty durable if you a) are careful with installation and maintenance, and b) don't take 'em off and put 'em back on a whole lot. And they can sound good for a long time.
 
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#10
Selim said:
Yes.


Well, I went ahead and installed the Oliv today.

All I can say right now is: Wow! It's everything I imagined/hoped for and more. Could it be the perfect G string?(!)
(Fingers crossed it doesn't suffer the unwinding and early demise that others have reported here.)


I didn't do any filing, but it was a pretty stiff fit into the slot.
Click to expand...

The Oliv needs room to move freely at the nut and bridge or it will unwind in short order. Given some attention there, it is a fantastic sounding and reasonably durable string. I have had one on and off a few basses for several years and it’s still good.
 
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