Double Bass How much impact does the bridge have on EUBs?

[bigthemat]

Hey all,

My dad and I have been doing various projects, and our next one is going to be some kind of EUB (or perhaps some kind of washtub/suitcase bass). I've been looking at available models, homemade ones, etc., and I see two types of bridges, the standard upright bridge, and then ones with a much smaller bridge, usually a block of hardwood.

My guess is the taller bridge is better for playing arco, but will there be a big difference in tone if you're only planning to play pizz? Does having the larger string clearance add to the sound through a piezo?

thanks

 

[Francois Blais]

Depends where the piezo is installed.

 

[BarfanyShart]

The curve of the bridge and finger board are the main thing for arco, because you have to be able to easily hit one string at a time with the bow. It does seem that the EUBs that feel and play more like real DBs have a bridge and tailpiece that is similar to DB (but still not as tall). Eminence makes a very good bridge like this (adjustable db-style maple) for their EUBs that works well with various piezos and is used by lots of people who make their own EUBs. As you flatten the fingerboard, shorten the scale, and use bass guitar bridge hardware - you inevitably end up with an instrument that sounds and plays more like a fretless bass guitar.

Another big thing to look into is the difference in how you shape the fingerboard. A laser straight fingerboard from top to bottom is more of a bass guitar thing, and is desirable when you are mainly going to be playing pizz, pulling the string parallel to the fingerboard. Real DBs have a scoop in the board so that when you hold down the string in front of the nut and at the end of the board, you will see about half a strings width of space between the string and board somewhere in the middle. This is very important for anyone wanting to play with a bow or with more DB-style pizz techniques without excessive buzzing.

Think of it this way - the guy playing is the one who matters. If the player wants to play it like a DB, then the instrument should resemble a DB in as many ways as possible. If the player wants to play it like a fretless guitar in upright position, then it should be optimized for that purpose.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Doesn't it all depend on how hard you throw it?

 

[equill]

I think the overall design has more to do with it, and the type of bridge is just one part of how it's implemented.
My WAV is basically a straight stick with strings on it, and has a very clear and punchy sound, whereas my Stico has a bolt-on neck set at an angle to the body, and has a warmer, more resonant and less focused sound.

 

[Mudfuzz]

Depends where the piezo is installed.

This more than you'd think.

I've built EUBs going both ways using a traditional bridge and more along the lines as NS and ergo..

You always have to keep in mind that this is an electric instrument and the pickup you use and how you use it is very important.. you really need to see what is available for you to use and design around it.

 

[Ric Vice]

Martin Clevinger built a lot of different bridges for his EUB’s. Mine actually has a two piece wooden resonator, with two pickups installed between

the halves and one imbedded in the center. He then placed a floating bridge on top of the center pickup. I’ll post a picture for you. His most recent designs has

4 piezo’s inserted under each of the strings in the bridge and a floating maple inlay with a pickup sitting under the bridge.

 

[bigthemat]

Martin Clevinger built a lot of different bridges for his EUB’s. Mine actually has a two piece wooden resonator, with two pickups installed between

the halves and one imbedded in the center. He then placed a floating bridge on top of the center pickup. I’ll post a picture for you. His most recent designs has

4 piezo’s inserted under each of the strings in the bridge and a floating maple inlay with a pickup sitting under the bridge.

I would love to see that if you don't mind