Double Bass File method for bridge and nut notches

[gotsoul77]

Hi everybody-
I am extremely happy to say that I have finally gotten a hold of my first double bass. I am very excited to begin playing, but the action and setup as is on the bass is unplayable. and as you might have guessed, since I was barely able to get my hands on this cheap bass as it is, I can by no means afford to get it setup. Therefore, for better or worse, I am doin the work myself.
The problems that need to be addressed are:
-Fitting the bridge (it was basically thrown on the bass as is, w/ no fitting)
-lowering the nut grooves
--and then lowering the grooves in the bridge (which is adjustable)

I have a solid plan for fitting the bridge. I do, however, need some feedback on my plan for altering the grooves. I am going to buy a rat-tail file and measure the gauges of the strings. Then put a line on the file where each gauge is, working it up to that line. Will this work? From the research that I have done, it doesn't seem like i need to go and buy a set of gauge specific files, I am correct in this assumption?

Also, is there a chart of measurements for ideal (or generalized) string location (height and spacing) on a DB - setup for mostly pizz. playing?

Thanks for the help - This is a cheap bass, but i know that i can make it shine - with a little elbow grease.

 

[Bass]

I ain't no luthier, but I'll throw in two cents and let others correct me...

A rat tail file? That sounds a little big to me. I use a set of jeweler's needle files, something like this:

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The strings should probably be spaced evenly across the board, with the E and G perhaps a 1/4 inch from the edge of the fingerboard measured at the bridge end of the board.

I like my strings at about 9 mm off the fingerboard, again measured at the bridge end of the board.

Disclaimer: I've filed nuts on an e-bass but never the double bass.