Double Bass how to measure bass bar?

[piiman]

How do you measure the width of the bass bar, easy enough to measure the side closest to the f hole but how do you get to the other side?

Peter

 

[simonwilmer]

Try a tape measure

 

[reedo35]

Just curious, Peeman. why do you need to do this?

 

[fdeck]

I could suggest gently lowering a mirror into the bass when it is on its back, and then holding a ruler in there with a tongs.

 

[drurb]

Just curious, Peeman. why do you need to do this?

Ditto.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I would just reach in with my plastic calipers - plenty accurate enough for that job and won't scratch anything.

 

[Jed Kriegel]

Longer ruler, other f-hole

 

[piiman]

Thanks Jake
shouldn't the bridge feet fit over the center of the bassbar?
Just trying to get an accurate measure for the c to center of the bridge feet

 

[zeytoun]

Oh....

How about just use a ruler to measure from the center line of the bassbar to the edge of the f-hole between the notches, then locate that same measurement on the top? That's where the center of your bridge foot should go. Measure from that spot, to the center, and double it, and that's your center-to-center bridge foot measurement.

No?

 

[ctregan]

I have used small pieces of cardboard slipped into the f-holes. It is butted against the bar, then marked at the opening. Remove and measure the distance.

The cardboard is soft and flexible, so it will not nick up the f hole openings.