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Double Bass Fingerboard replacement- what to tell my luthier

R

RBrownBass

Thoroughly Nice Guy
Aug 22, 2004
3,440
1,371
#1
Tired of the bevel in my board keeping the E string volume down (the bridge is cut so that the E string is at the same relative distance from the board as the others- that offers some consistency with string height and helps avoid playability issues, but it puts the E closer to the top than the others. I hope I'm being clear), so I'm getting a round board and a new bridge in a few weeks.

My current board height is about 5mm G to about 9mm E, but around the Bb, C C# area of the G string, there's too much distance between the strings and the board for comfort- around 9-10mm. I know there's supposed to be some relief. The nut's fine. Lowering the strings any more tends to create buzz aruond the E on the A string and A on the D string and in thumb position on the G. Also adds string slap noise when I pull hard across the string. The A and D are higher than the E ang G- about 10mm for the A and 11 for the D.

What I want is less distance at the area I specified while keeping the height the same at the end of the board. Going for a noiseless (no string slap, if possible) sound with volume. Meaning a flatter (bridge to nut) board. Do I need to say anything specific to my luthier beyond what I'm saying here? I don't want to just go in there and say, "make it so".

3/4 "carved" CCB with Corelli 370F strings if it matters. I don't have this issue with other basses, even other basses that I used to own.
 
#2
If you have a good luthier he/she will know what to do - you know what you want. Sounds like your neck might have a bit of a forward bend in it - a nice new board may fix that.

I'm not sure that you can blame the bevel for the low E volume though. Probably better off trying a meatier string set if you are mostly Pizz. Soundpost adjustment too perhaps.
 
#3
Matthew Tucker said:
If you have a good luthier he/she will know what to do - you know what you want. Sounds like your neck might have a bit of a forward bend in it - a nice new board may fix that.
Click to expand...

Great to hear! I was hoping for no more new issues with this bass until I can afford another one. A new board was always in the works but now I know it's a necessity.

I'm not sure that you can blame the bevel for the low E volume though. Probably better off trying a meatier string set if you are mostly Pizz. Soundpost adjustment too perhaps.
Click to expand...

I'm satisfied with the volume of the other three strings (same make/model- I know they aren't as loud as, say, Spirocores) so am I wrong to assume that the issue with the E is proximity to the top? In any case, I'll be able to use the string effectively, where as it is making the note is awkward and produces a sound that's inconsistent with the other strings in terms of sustain and clarity as well as volume.
 

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