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Double Bass Bridge measurement/replacement

Freaky Fender

Freaky Fender

May 27, 2001
4,749
7
Saunderstown, RI
#1
Hello, I just recently graduated undergrad and realized I was never actually taught about the basic mechanics of my upright. Over the past four years I've raised and lowered the action and given it the occasional 'pull-the-bridge-towards-the-neck'. My teacher noticed about a year ago my bridge wasn't straight, so we straightened it during the lesson. My problem is I have no idea how to correctly measure where or how my bridge should stand. Is there some site that has the basic info of how to setup an upright?

I was planning to bring my bass into a luthier to change it's strings since I have never changed DB strings before. I'm worried that I'll show up, they'll tell me my bridge is F'd and I'll have to wait while I order one, but I don't want to order a blank and not need it when I visit.
 
#2
Freaky Fender said:
Hello, I just recently graduated undergrad and realized I was never actually taught about the basic mechanics of my upright. Over the past four years I've raised and lowered the action and given it the occasional 'pull-the-bridge-towards-the-neck'. My teacher noticed about a year ago my bridge wasn't straight, so we straightened it during the lesson. My problem is I have no idea how to correctly measure where or how my bridge should stand. Is there some site that has the basic info of how to setup an upright?

I was planning to bring my bass into a luthier to change it's strings since I have never changed DB strings before. I'm worried that I'll show up, they'll tell me my bridge is F'd and I'll have to wait while I order one, but I don't want to order a blank and not need it when I visit.
Click to expand...

If you are taking your double bass to a double bass luthier, he/she will be able to answer your questions and show you how to correct small deficiencies in bridge placement.

They'll have a quality bridge blank for you, too.
 
#4
Search around this forum and you'll find lots of discussion about setup and bridges. Enter "bridge placement" as search terms and wade through the baloney enough and you'll get an idea. Generally, the bridge should be centered between the inner f-hole notches, and the strings centered on the fingerboard. Look on youtube and you'll find some videos to give you an idea.

It's worth a trip to Zach Martin, who I think is in Pawtucket. He'll be able to assess your setup, get everything in order, and show you how to make sure the bridge is in the correct position between visits. He might make a mark on the top with a white crayon for you where the bridge feet should sit, and can probably tell you what the string length should be and show you how to maintain that. He worked under Arnold Schnitzer, one of the most knowledgeable bass luthiers in the Northeast (and the country) and certainly on this forum, so he's got his bona-fides in order. http://zacharysmartin.com/
 
#5
tyb507 said:
It's worth a trip to Zach Martin, who I think is in Pawtucket. He'll be able to assess your setup, get everything in order, and show you how to make sure the bridge is in the correct position between visits. He might make a mark on the top with a white crayon for you where the bridge feet should sit, and can probably tell you what the string length should be and show you how to maintain that. He worked under Arnold Schnitzer, one of the most knowledgeable bass luthiers in the Northeast (and the country) and certainly on this forum, so he's got his bona-fides in order. http://zacharysmartin.com/
Click to expand...

He use to play drums (and a little upright) in a rock duo, I would go see them all the time when I was in high school! Thanks for the info everyone.
 

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