Double Bass Having problems with adjusting the bridge

[SplitNick]

I hold the bridge foot with my left hand while I turn the adjuster with my right.

My hands are too big for that. I can't fit both of them in the same area to accomplish the adjustment.

 

[Square Bear]

I hold the bridge foot with my left hand while I turn the adjuster with my right.

i like how it took a whole page to get to this.

 

[drurb]

i like how it took a whole page to get to this.

Indeed! Seems we took the long way around-- again!

Still, seems to be something amiss if you have to hold on to the foot when you turn the adjuster. Seems either a foot/top fitting issue or a problem with the friction of the adjuster in the foot. Here's another simple one: Consult a luthier.

 

[Square Bear]

are you tuning down before you try to turn the adjusters? if so, how much? depending on what kind of adjusters you have, you probably need to tune down a half step or so before you adjust them, but not any more than that. sometimes the feet will move a bit, it's not really that big a deal actually. just put them back where they were. if you really think you need to, maybe just put a sticky note or masking tape right along the outside of each foot and mark the top of the foot when you want to adjust the bridge so that if it moves you can easily put it right back where it was. if everything looks right (bridge is straight, centered on the fingerboard, feet fit the top snug with no gaps, centered on the f holes, etc) then i really think you don't have a problem.

 

[drurb]

From the mount of movement suggested by the OP and that it is a huge hassle for him, something does seem amiss. It may not be anything that needs to be addressed immediately but it really shouldn't be happening if the feet are fit properly and there is the proper friction between the rotating adjusters and the foot.

 

[SplitNick]

In my particular case it is definitely an issue of adjuster friction which I have preferred to just ignore unless I need an adjustment. That only happens about two times a year.

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

I think there is some over-thinking going on here. The Realist pickup is a slippery copper plate. That makes the bridge foot spin if you're not careful. No biggy, just straighten it back out.

 

[George700DL]

I think there is some over-thinking going on here. The Realist pickup is a slippery copper plate. That makes the bridge foot spin if you're not careful. No biggy, just straighten it back out.

So...does my thread about the longevity/reuse of mixed hide glue still get your vote for the most boring thread ever Arnold?

 

[drurb]

I think there is some over-thinking going on here. The Realist pickup is a slippery copper plate. That makes the bridge foot spin if you're not careful. No biggy, just straighten it back out.

Understood-- but he mentioned it happening with both feet.