Double Bass Englehardt EC1 f-hole notches?

[bssist]

I just picked up an Englehardt EC1 on the cheap. Instead of the staggered knicks in the f-holes showing the center and top edge of bridge foot placement, the knicks are at the same spot on the inside and outside of the f-holes. When the bridge feet are centered on the notches the bridge foot is sitting directly on top of the soundpost. When I align the bottom edge of the bridge foot with the notches the bridge foot is over the top half of the soundpost. Would that be the correct location for the bridge?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

The soundpost is intentionally mobile so that's not a good place to measure from.

Engels are supposedly made on the same molds as Kays were, and Kays were made to have a 42" speaking length of string. Assuming your bridge is straight and cut correctly, if you set the bridge 42" from the nut and the sound post slightly behind the bridge, all should be well.

I have a '51 Kay C-1 upstairs and my setup is slightly better than awful so if you need me to double-check any measurements against my bass just ask.

 

[bssist]

Got it, thanks. As it sits right now mensure is 41 1/8 so I'll try moving the bridge south. It is also a bit jinky so I am going to be fitting a new Despiau. I suspect with a straight bridge it may sit centered on the notches.

I have been wondering, since Kays & Engels are essentially the same bass, is the Kay C1 the same thing as the Engel C1?

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Take it to a luthier and get the soundpost moved.

 

[bssist]

Take it to a luthier and get the soundpost moved.

Thank you for your advice. Could you please explain for me how you determined that the soundpost is in the wrong position? Thanks.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Normally, the bridge should be centered on the notches. The soundpost should be approximately the width (diameter) of the post below the back of the bridge.

 

[bssist]

Ah, thank you.