Double Bass Fingerboard/Neck/Bridge misalignment...where to place the bridge?

[RenanDias]

Hi everyone, I would appreciate some help concerning bridge position on my bass...

If I place the bridge centered between f holes (feet equidistant from inner f notches), it does not align properly with the fingerboard, it gets set towards the bass side. If measure at the end of the fingerboard there is 2mm more space between the G string and the edge of the fingerboard, compared to the E string.

So what would you favor when positioning the bridge, considering both aspects of bass health, playability and tone quality?

- Is it better to align the bridge/strings with the fingerboard? Thus the bridge will stay misaligned on the top, feet will be closer to the treble side f notche (2mm difference). Is it a deadly sin?
- Or should I put the bridge centered between f holes and leave the strings not aligned with fingerboard?

Currently the bridge is set centered on the top, and the result is a slightly weaker G string, kind of Christian Mcbride sound, big E, A, D but less ressonant and more percussive G string. If I center the bridge on the fingerboard I have an even tension on all strings and improves tonally specially for capo, but then I don't know if I am damaging the top since the bridge is not centered between F notches...

Any input will be highly appreciated.

Cheers from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

 

[misterbadger]

Hard to imagine that a couple of millimeters lateral offset will make a structural difference to the top. I'd set it up to match the fingerboard, assuming that the shape of the bridge doesn't raise the G string too much.

 

[Neil Pye]

I'd agree with that, and just add that if the bass sounds nice and even where you set the bridge then that's a pretty good sign...