Double Bass Bromberg Bevel?

[SMIFFMAN]

I just purchased a 70's upright bass and after I got it home, I found a peculiar "hump" or ridge down the length of the fingerboard between the E and A strings. Someone help me discover the point of this. I did a little research on this and found what I think is what is called a Bromberg Bevel. Ive wanted an upright for some time, and feel really good about this one.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Romberg, not Bromberg. Helps when you're bowing the e string.

 

[Sam Sherry]

Romberg -- Motto: "My C string will not clank!"

Bromberg -- Motto: "I will not be your fool !"

 

[John Sprague]

David Bromberg, incidentally, owns the world's largest collection of domestic violins.

 

[Don Kasper]

Brian Bromberg motto - "Playing the doublebass is Easy AND Fun!"

 

[SMIFFMAN]

Brian Bromberg motto - "Playing the doublebass is Easy AND Fun!"

 

[SMIFFMAN]

Thanks everyone!
Just wondering if this effects fingering at all. Seems I have to reach farther around the neck to make a note or use my thumb.

It seems it is quite pronounced. Don't know how to explain it, but almost like the E is falling off the board.

 

[Don Kasper]

Thanks everyone!
Just wondering if this effects fingering at all. Seems I have to reach farther around the neck to make a note or use my thumb.
It seems it is quite pronounced. Don't know how to explain it, but almost like the E is falling off the board.

SMIFFMAN,
The flattened fingerboard section, (under the E string), provides more room for the E string to oscillate without hitting the fingerboard - If it is really uncomfortable and difficult to play notes ( esp. in the lower positions), you might want to have your bridge curvature recut, adjusting the height relationship between the E and other strings.
Are you able to measure the height of each string at the end of the fingerboard? (in millimeters or 1/32nds of an inch).
Provide those 4 measurements and you'll receive reliable anecdotal experience and comments from me and others here.
Thanks,

 

[PaulCannon]

The fingerboard bevel is a bit old-fashioned, but it's not a bad idea. It was at one time standard on most basses and cellos before the advent of steel strings, as gut strings have a wider oscillation and need to be set higher above the board.

If the board is thick enough, you can have it re-planed into a perfectly rounded board. There's really no need to do this unless the bevel is bothering you.

 

[shwashwa]

most of the guys setting up basses in the nyc area that ive been to take the bevel out unless you specifically ask for it to remain. none of my basses have it. the curve is smooth and even all the way across

 

[Eric Rene Roy]

David Bromberg, incidentally, owns the world's largest collection of domestic violins.

He spoke at NBSS while I was there, and bought a few violins, my 2nd one being one of them! Great guy!