Double Bass Bridge

[gypsydjango]

Three questions:
Regarding the DB bridge:

a)For good arco across the strings should the bridge (top of the bridge) have the same curvature as the end of the fingerboard?

b) What method do you prefer to fit the feet of the bridge to the top?--sandpaper attached to the top of the bass or to cut the feet with a chisel or knife?

Just to mention that I have used the sandpaper method to fit bridges to arctop guitars but have never yet tried the chisel / knife method. If you use the chisel / knife method your advice most welcome.
c) How do you clean 'debris' (Rubbish')that has gone down the 'F' holes over the years?
I have used a small hose connected to a vacuum cleaner in the past but that is hit & miss. (Taking of the top or back would be ideal but-------------!!)

 

[Don Hergert]

c) How do you clean 'debris' (Rubbish')that has gone down the 'F' holes over the years?

Some creative debris solutions (this should be a thread of its own):

a) Duct tape, sticky side out, at the end of a long dowel. Replace the duct tape when full of debris. Attach the duct tape to the dowel securely, otherwise it will attach itself to the inside of the DB along with any debris that is there. This actually works. Endoscope is helpful but not required.

b) Portable keyboard vacuum with home made hose attachment. AC adapter recommended. Endoscope, again.

c) Have an access port installed into the driver-side C of your DB. Reach in, remove debris. Adjust sound post while you're there. Also re-glue your bass bar. Also provides many options for installing pickups and mics. Please close the door when leaving, or leave it open if you want an additional sound hole or a play-place for your cats. Endoscope not required, can be used for other purposes.

d) Introduce a small mouse inside. Feed it regularly. If you store your DB standing up, the mouse will make a nest inside consisting of all the old debris, probably near the endblock. Eventually the mouse will also make a small hole through the rib and escape, providing endless fun for your cats, and also leaving an access port for you to remove the nest and other future debris. Endoscope not required but fun for watching your mouse.

e) Leave the debris for the next owner to discover and wonder at.

Long term solution: Duct tape over the F-holes. Also makes DB into a nice flotation device.

 

[gypsydjango]

Thanks for the reply. Duct Tape sounds a good idea--will give that a try.
Small mouse though?--not sure. I smell a rat-------------------

 

[unbrokenchain]

a) I prefer higher clearance on the thicker strings, but not by much. So the fingerboard is a slightly tighter radius than the bridge on my bass.

b) a combination works for me. I tend to scoop out the center of the feet a little bit with a knife and then hit the sand paper until the scoop is (almost) gone. I only sand one direction to avoid the rocking motion.

c) compressed air duster and vacuum simultaneously in opposite f-holes

 

[SAlcott]

When my Olde Tyrolean was in the shop years ago for major work, the guys at Gage's stored the "mouse" in a Ziplock bag and put it back in when the bass was done.

 

[210superair]

A. Yes

2. Sandpaper

Thirdly... I just leave debris unless it causes noise or there's an inordinate amount from a repair or something. The I hold it f holes down, and shake it all around. That's what it's all about... Of course I'm kind of a roughneck on my stuff. My dad used to say "it ain't a piano" when I was building something and it was enough to do the job. And a bass is indeed not a piano.... Lol.

 

[GretschWretch]

I thought the debris in the bass *was* the "mouse."

 

[gypsydjango]

a) I prefer higher clearance on the thicker strings, but not by much. So the fingerboard is a slightly tighter radius than the bridge on my bass.

b) a combination works for me. I tend to scoop out the center of the feet a little bit with a knife and then hit the sand paper until the scoop is (almost) gone. I only sand one direction to avoid the rocking motion.

c) compressed air duster and vacuum simultaneously in opposite f-holes

 

[gypsydjango]

Thanks for the info on b). Will do that. Sanding in one direction great idea--better than both ways--avoids the rocking motion.

a) I prefer higher clearance on the thicker strings, but not by much. So the fingerboard is a slightly tighter radius than the bridge on my bass.

b) a combination works for me. I tend to scoop out the center of the feet a little bit with a knife and then hit the sand paper until the scoop is (almost) gone. I only sand one direction to avoid the rocking motion.

c) compressed air duster and vacuum simultaneously in opposite f-holes

 

[SAlcott]

I thought the debris in the bass *was* the "mouse."

It is.