Is there a good book on care for a DB? I've only found a book on set-up and repair/by Chuck Traeger, but cannot tell from the reviews if it also tells how to care for it. There is an adjustable bridge, but how do you know where to adjust it to in summer or winter? What temperature and humidity is best for a bass? I'd gladly spend the $85 on the book if I knew it had all the info I want. I've already read alot online and there's so many different opinions about products for cleaning and oiling. New to this instrument and would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
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Double Bass DB Care
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I don't know of any books specifically for what you are looking for, but I don't think you really need a book for that. A good relationship with a competent and trust worthy luthier is the best source of info. Whenever someone gets a new instrument and wants to show it to us at the shop, we are always happy to oblige, and we never charge for advice.
If you were my customer I would tell you to adjust the string height to where you like it in the summer and winter, making sure to loosen the string a little before making the adjustment and then make sure your bridge isn't leaning after the adjustment is done. Don't keep your bass in temperatures that you wouldn't keep a baby in. I try to keep my bass in humidity between 40-70%, sudden shifts are the worst for your bass. Don't use any oil or cleaning product on your bass Clean the rosin and crud from your strings with rubbing alcohol. Get the rosin off your top with a clean, dry rag (don't let it build up). Any other cleaning issues, use a rag dampened, not wetted, with hot water, and follow immediately with a dry rag.
Of course, I'm not your luthier, and you're not my customer, we're just two strangers on the internet, so your best bet is to find someone in your area, wherever that is, and interact with them in person.
If you were my customer I would tell you to adjust the string height to where you like it in the summer and winter, making sure to loosen the string a little before making the adjustment and then make sure your bridge isn't leaning after the adjustment is done. Don't keep your bass in temperatures that you wouldn't keep a baby in. I try to keep my bass in humidity between 40-70%, sudden shifts are the worst for your bass. Don't use any oil or cleaning product on your bass Clean the rosin and crud from your strings with rubbing alcohol. Get the rosin off your top with a clean, dry rag (don't let it build up). Any other cleaning issues, use a rag dampened, not wetted, with hot water, and follow immediately with a dry rag.
Of course, I'm not your luthier, and you're not my customer, we're just two strangers on the internet, so your best bet is to find someone in your area, wherever that is, and interact with them in person.
Thanks for the reply. There is a luthier nearby and I'd love to get an opinion if we found a good instrument. My son plays electric bass and wants to play jazz on the db, so we are new to this instrument. It's a 60yr old German (USSR Occupied) no name bass. But when the guy played it for us I now understand what is meant when a bass growls.
Very solid advice.
The Chuck Traeger book does a great job describing to the bassist different ways that they can make their bass perform better. If you've got the $$ I would get it if you are interested. I found it tremendously informative and interesting.
- Jan 24, 2002
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- NS Design / AER Endorsing Artist
The Traeger book is a useful resource for luthiers and makers, but it's not what you're looking for. It sounds like you just want some simple advice on bass maintenance. You probably don't need a book telling you how to properly graft a scroll.
