Double Bass Full Circle w/Kolstein Bridge

[Ike Harris]

I've done a search on this with no luck. Has anyone tried to retrofit a Kolstein bridge with the lignum vitae adjusters, with a Full Circle pickup? Seems like the threads on these are wider along with the general width than what a Full Circle would have, and they face downward, which may or may not make a difference. Or should I just use a different bridge altogether? Thanks in advance for advice.

Ike

 

[pmad_bass]

I had been wondering if there was way to either retro fit or if Fishman would ever make something for the Kolstein bridge. I e-mailed fishman and they said that they can't make the Full Circle with wood adjusters.

Just wondering- Anyone out there go from a Kolstein bridge to a new bridge with the full circle (i.e. aluminum) adjusters? If so- how would you describe the tonal transition (acoustically of course) of your sound? Brighter? Darker? Louder? etc

 

[hensonbass]

I had the same issue. I wanted to try a FC on my Prescott but the Kolstein bridge kept me from doing it.

 

[bribass]

I've done a search on this with no luck. Has anyone tried to retrofit a Kolstein bridge with the lignum vitae adjusters, with a Full Circle pickup? Seems like the threads on these are wider along with the general width than what a Full Circle would have, and they face downward, which may or may not make a difference. Or should I just use a different bridge altogether? Thanks in advance for advice.

Ike

I have a Kolstein bridge w/ Rosewood adjusters that were retro fit to take the FC adjusters.

Out of the box the FC adjusters did not fit the holes from the Kolstein adjusters, but Arnold Schnitzer has a method of installing threaded brass collars into the threaded holes of the bridge feet which the FC adjusters fit into like a glove. I had him do this to my German carved bass and it worked beautifully. Saved me from having to buy a new bridge as well as the pu. Ike, perhaps Arnold could do it for you if you sent him the bridge.

 

[Ike Harris]

Thanks Brian, I'll have to check into it.

Ike

 

[etsob]

Had a friend here in Seattle with the same issue. He took it to Hammond Ashley and they rigged basically the same setup as Arnold did. He said it works and sounds great now.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I have done it twice. It involves buying either brass or aluminum inserts with the same female thread. I think it's 1/4" x 20. These are available at most hardware stores, just take the dummy adjuster with you. You can also find bushings for the unthreaded (normally top) portion.
I needed to bore the holes larger. In my case, I reversed the drill to prevent splitting the bridge foot. I just held it steady and took it slow. A drill press and small vice or clamp would help. Once everything is drilled and lined up, simply glue the inserts and bushings in with hide glue.

The piezo in a full circle is on the unthreaded side and it must fit perfectly against the wood in order to work so keep that in mind.

This is definately a job for a luthier unless you are handy and patient.
My luthier prefers cutting a new bridge because this method is difficult and there is danger of ruining a bridge.

 

[Ric Vice]

I have a Kolstein bridge w/ Rosewood adjusters that were retro fit to take the FC adjusters.

Out of the box the FC adjusters did not fit the holes from the Kolstein adjusters, but Arnold Schnitzer has a method of installing threaded brass collars into the threaded holes of the bridge feet which the FC adjusters fit into like a glove. I had him do this to my German carved bass and it worked beautifully. Saved me from having to buy a new bridge as well as the pu. Ike, perhaps Arnold could do it for you if you sent him the bridge.

I had exactly the opposite problem. My original adjusters were Aluminum and I switched to Ebony, so the bridge had to be re routed to accept the larger adjusters, not something I'd recommend to anyone, but the bass sounded so wonderful there was no way I was going to replace the bridge. Fortunately, on my bass the Ehrlund pickup sounds so good I'm not even considering a Full Circle. Warning, results may vary

Ric

 

[pmad_bass]

I've finally made the move to have the FC installed. Getting a new Bridge made to accommodate...also getting some other work. Bass won't be back for a week or two.