Double Bass How important is scale length?

[Ken U]

Hey group! Last week I bought my first (used) 3/4 DB. I'm loving it! When my fingers get tired, I sit here and read the forums and try to soak in as much as I can. This has been such a big help. I've learned so much (especially how I don't want to drop my sound post). Anyway, the one thing I can't figure out is scale length. I know my bass doesn't have its original bridge, and I can't tell if the sound post has been moved. If I center my bridge on the notches in the f-holes, I end up with about 40-1/2" scale. This sets my bridge foot just north of the sound post about 1/8". All I've read is that a 3/4 scale length floats around 41 to 41-5/8". Does it really matter? Should I be more concerned with the actual measurement or should I focus on using the f-holes as my guide for the bridge placement? Thanks in advance!

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Use the f-holes. The inner notches are the guide to where the builder decided the bridge should be. 1/8" is a fairly close soundpost placement, but plausible.

 

[Ken U]

Thanks for the response Andrew! I will make the bridge adjustment. I know that the bass originally shipped with an adjustable bridge. The fixed bridge that is on it now has never been fit to the top. I bought the bass at an auction and I think they just slapped a bridge on it to make it saleable. There are some large gaps under both feet. Maybe when I work on fitting the bridge I might get brave enough to move the post too. Thanks again for you advice.