Guys I really need some help . I’m struggling a bit . My bass ( Upton Bohemian hybrid ) has a 50/50 set up supposedly . Problem is I really need that bridge to be more rounded for bowing . Or is it just me ? I can’t seem to really get the bow on the side of the string rather than just on top of he string . Very frustrating! Wish I had a teacher but no teachers of this fine instrument within a hundred miles ! Any suggestions or comments very much appreciated.
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Double Bass Bridge shape
- Thread starter Samason
- Start date
I'll assume that your bridge curve is properly matched to the fingerboard curve, as I'd expect from Upton. It looks quite normal to me.
What you're asking about can be done, limited to the point where the bow starts to strike or rub the body. However, increasing that curve enough to substantially change the relationships between strings requires changing both the bridge and the fingerboard, and taking that much off the fingerboard is a one-way commitment of expensive wood. So you'll want to consider carefully before you leap in.
I bow a five-string with less bridge curvature than this. It requires good control of the bow, but isn't really all that difficult for me, and I'm no great shakes with a bow. Are you sure what you're experiencing is due to the setup of the bass, and not your own bow control? Do you use a tight or loose bow? Are you putting enough arm weight into it to depress the string under the bow?
=> "I can’t seem to really get the bow on the side of the string"
I'm not clear on what you're going for here. The string doesn't care which tangent the bow follows, as far as I know. Can you clarify?
What you're asking about can be done, limited to the point where the bow starts to strike or rub the body. However, increasing that curve enough to substantially change the relationships between strings requires changing both the bridge and the fingerboard, and taking that much off the fingerboard is a one-way commitment of expensive wood. So you'll want to consider carefully before you leap in.
I bow a five-string with less bridge curvature than this. It requires good control of the bow, but isn't really all that difficult for me, and I'm no great shakes with a bow. Are you sure what you're experiencing is due to the setup of the bass, and not your own bow control? Do you use a tight or loose bow? Are you putting enough arm weight into it to depress the string under the bow?
=> "I can’t seem to really get the bow on the side of the string"
I'm not clear on what you're going for here. The string doesn't care which tangent the bow follows, as far as I know. Can you clarify?
Your bridge is totally normal, fine for bowing. I'm just guessing, but I think this is a combination of you pressing the bow into the strings too hard, and maybe not correct tension on the bow hair. Really, you don't have to press the bow into the string, the hair doesn't have to somehow wrap around the string as it passes over. Since you don't have a teacher, experiment with where your bow is located on the string (how far from the bridge), and the bow speed. You should be able to get a good sound without much pressure. It's often said you should think of using your arm weight instead of pressing into the string.
Too little tension of the bow hair might also be helping you to push the hair onto the other strings. You don't want it to be super tight, but it shouldn't be so loose that it flexes enough to touch the other strings, or the stick.
Too little tension of the bow hair might also be helping you to push the hair onto the other strings. You don't want it to be super tight, but it shouldn't be so loose that it flexes enough to touch the other strings, or the stick.
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Yep, it’s just you. Sorry to bear bad news. The bow should be going across the top of the string, not the side as you mention, and that bridge is A-ok. The reasons for this are several. One of which is that the string vibrates more side to side in relation to the fingerboard when bowing across the top of the string. You’d run in to some serious fingerboard buzz if it went primarily up and down. Vibrating side to side also rocks the bridge back and forth, which consequently rocks the top and makes sound.
If a teacher is out of the question there is plenty of content from reputable players that can help you get started across the internet. Best of luck! Hope it works out well for you!
If a teacher is out of the question there is plenty of content from reputable players that can help you get started across the internet. Best of luck! Hope it works out well for you!
I think this is good news, not bad news. He doesn't need to take his bass somewhere and spend a bunch of money to have it adjusted, just change his technique a bit.
Samason, if you'd like, you can Facetime or Zoom with me, I'm sure we can quickly sort it out. PM me if you want to.
Samason, if you'd like, you can Facetime or Zoom with me, I'm sure we can quickly sort it out. PM me if you want to.
Watch the instructional series by Andy Anderson. It’s old, but quite good.
Not just about bowing; you can watch the parts that interest you. I recommend watching all of them.
Part 1
Not just about bowing; you can watch the parts that interest you. I recommend watching all of them.
Part 1
Steven , you are correct the bridge and finger board are indeed matched . So it is what it is , not about to change it . It’s a really good sounding bass too . Thank you so much for your input sir.
BassFalcon, thank you for your input . I will pay more attention to my technique
Brent ,thank you so much for your generosity! Give me a few days and I will take you up on your offer sir !
