So I've searched the forums to no avail, I'm wondering if anyone has any information on Christian McBride's setup, specifically his string height. I've heard it's on the higher side, but I don't know if this is true or a rumor, and I'm looking for an explanation on what high exactly means. I've been researching string heights of different players and find no information on Christian McBride so if anyone knows anything about this subject it would be greatly appreciated.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass Christian McBride String Height
- Thread starter JavierBass
- Start date
I am of the belief that his string height is on the lower end of the spectrum. On the tunes where he plays fast arco, you can hear the strings smackin' on the fingerboard, which usually happens with lower string height. He also plays with some pretty fast lines that I think would be pretty hard with a high string height. Not sayin' it can't be done, just think he uses a lower string height.
All of this is my own conjecture, and I haven't seen him play live, so I can't say for sure.
All of this is my own conjecture, and I haven't seen him play live, so I can't say for sure.
I just saw McBride play and took a gander at his bass while it was on the floor during soundcheck. It appeared as though he had "medium" action...maybe 8-9mm at the end of the fingerboard. Nothing abnormally low or high. He is not using NHOP/Bromberg on-the-floor action nor is he killing himself. I wouldn't stress over it...put your strings where YOU want them. 
I just saw McBride play and took a gander at his bass while it was on the floor during soundcheck. It appeared as though he had "medium" action...maybe 8-9mm at the end of the fingerboard. Nothing abnormally low or high. He is not using NHOP/Bromberg on-the-floor action nor is he killing himself. I wouldn't stress over it...put your strings where YOU want them.
And from what I heard he used to have his string even higher when the whole no amp/young lions thing was in full swing in NYC but lowered them to 8-9mm in recent years.
I know Christian very well and after going through problems with his right hand he decided to bring them down about 3mm on the G and 7mm on E. At one point in his career he had them double that height however, he has decided to not fight the bass and save his strength.
True that. The first time I saw him play live (at EMP, Nathan), I said, walking away from the show "I'll never misuse the word virtuoso again."
Dear Bajo,
That is interesting to hear. I would go as well for this action. Though how is this height mesured? From the fingerboard to the upper part of the string or the bottom of the string, at the string lenght midpoint?
I just saw McBride play and took a gander at his bass while it was on the floor during soundcheck. It appeared as though he had "medium" action...maybe 8-9mm at the end of the fingerboard. Nothing abnormally low or high. He is not using NHOP/Bromberg on-the-floor action nor is he killing himself. I wouldn't stress over it...put your strings where YOU want them.
Two cents more
Action should have to do with the weight of your own arm and the responsiveness of your own bass. Also, you need to consider the places you play, and the musicians you have access to.
Christian has a nice bass and plays nice halls with the best musicians (meaning they are going to make sure his sound comes through). He also probably has a great sound person on the case with a great sound system for most of his gigs.
I am a similar size person to him and own a very responsive bass. My basic pizz technique and sound is very similar. I keep a medium action. I play a lot of un-amplified gigs, with my bass and my body medium action projects well.
Smaller people with a similar sound seem to have higher action than I do.
He is a GREAT model for sound and technique, sort of like Dave Holland or Ray Brown, he just does it right. I would focus more on how to get a similar sound with your gear, body and playing situations than what gear he uses.
Christian has a nice bass and plays nice halls with the best musicians (meaning they are going to make sure his sound comes through). He also probably has a great sound person on the case with a great sound system for most of his gigs.
I am a similar size person to him and own a very responsive bass. My basic pizz technique and sound is very similar. I keep a medium action. I play a lot of un-amplified gigs, with my bass and my body medium action projects well.
Smaller people with a similar sound seem to have higher action than I do.
He is a GREAT model for sound and technique, sort of like Dave Holland or Ray Brown, he just does it right. I would focus more on how to get a similar sound with your gear, body and playing situations than what gear he uses.
When talking double bass the string height is measured from fingerboard to the bottom of each string AND measured at the end of the fingerboard. Obviously this makes the numbers relative to each instrument depending on factors like fingerboard length.
Saw a video interview with him recently and he was talking about keeping action really low and the pointlessness of high action that impeded playing.
He wasn't arguing for what we would call low, just medium. There is a point where your fingers can get under the string and the string has enough room to vibrate. After that it just ads tension and reduces sustain. Some of those guys with the high action sound great still, they are using more force and you can hear it.
Again, it depends on what else you want besides a big pizz sound, your bass your body.
