Double Bass G string buzzing against board from arco.

[WillieB]

Hello All,

I tried some searches and not sure if I'm describing this correctly and/or if it should be in the
luthier thread.

Shen sb-80 hellicore hybrids medium. When I dig in - arco on the g the string smacks the
board pretty loudly. Appears to be hitting in the A - C# range.

measurements: g clearance at nut .5 mm at octave 3.3 mm end of board 4.3mm
fixed bridge height 6 1/4"

Is this issue due to: Nut height , Bridge height, fingerboard, lighten up with the bow, or a combination of the four?

Thanks much.

Bill

 

[unbrokenchain]

Sounds to me like the board needs a little more scoop if you want to keep 4.3mm on the G string. But that seems a little too low, I know everyone plays differently but I wouldn't be able to grab much string for pizz at that height, lots of string/board clack too? If you've got bridge adjusters you might try and raise it up to see where the buzz goes away, or a thin piece of wood veneer under the bridge foot if you've got a fixed, at least to check it out.

 

[WillieB]

Thanks UBC .... yeah its a fixed bridge but I hadn't thought about a shim under the foot.

 

[unbrokenchain]

Thanks UBC .... yeah its a fixed bridge but I hadn't thought about a shim under the foot.

Yeah man! I'm no luthier but I've been known to do some setup work (mainly out of financial necessity, ha!). If you're going to leave the shim, probably best to do both feet so that one foot isn't crooked on the top of the bass. But installing adjusters isn't too hard for someone with a drill press and set of taps (ideally an actual luthier). Price of adjusters + installation probably similar to having someone carve a new bridge?

 

[WillieB]

Yes .... I find that I would prefer to do my own work if possible. I have plans to make a bridge adjustable and have the parts and tools. Also want to work on sizing and setting sound posts and bridge adjustments. The impact to sound is just too personal.

 

[WillieB]

well just back from the luthiers (3 miles down the road) .... only problem was that I was diggin in too much and the string was over oscillating
and the nut was a tad too low. When its new string time I will give the nut a minor shim. So chalk it up to user error.