Double Bass How to move a bridge?

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Totally a beginner's question. I've discovered the bridge on my double bass is slightly out of position. How much do the strings need to be detuned to relax enough tension to move the bridge into correct centered position? Without dropping the sound post?

I've detuned a lot but can't seem to budge the bridge. I realize the answer is to detune more, but is there a guideline someone could suggest to help me proceed without fear of messing up the sound post?

Thank you!

 

[210superair]

Personally, I lay my bass on the back, a small pillow under the heel area, detune and move the bridge. As long as you don't move the bass around too much I doubt the post will fall. It's difficult to describe how much to detune, but my E, A, and D strings I have very loose, and keep the G a bit tighter when adjusting bridge feet/doing scale length.

Be sure the post is where it should be relative to the bridge foot after the bridge is set right.

Should the post fall, resetting one isn't really that difficult with a proper post setter, and can really change the way your bass sounds.

Good luck!

 

[Ed Fuqua]

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[N. Kentucky Bass]

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this was very useful. I reset the bridge and WOW! Sounds like a different instrument. I had no idea. Now I’m really inspired by the sound. Thanks for the tips!

 

[Reiska]

Hi, if you ever need to loosen the tension off the top completely, lay your bass on it`s side with treble ( G string ) side down. This way you can eliminate the post falling. Just be careful not to move or knock the bass while loosening the strings, the procedure needs some acrobatics as the bass is on it`s side, but it`s still easily doable.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

I put my bass on its (flat) back, but with a pillow under it in the soundpost area. Should help keeping some pressure on it, and not falling.

 

[Jim Dombrowski]

I’ve also heard of putting something heavy on the top (with a cushion) to keep some weight on the post.

 

[David Potts]

A couple of heavy books works well too, but still keep some pressure from the strings unless you are removing the bridge completely. Whatever weight you use make sure that you protect the varnish from scratching.