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Double Bass Is My Bridge Upside Down?

Larry Ames

Larry Ames

Nov 16, 2005
41
7
Ukiah, California
#1
Last winter I had a minor disaster. During a rehearsal the original bridge (with adjusters) on my 3/4 German DB collapsed and both legs broke in half. I took the bass to a local luthier who carved a new bridge for me, but it never looked quite right to me. Then last weekend a fellow bassist looked at my instrument and declared "your bridge is upside down! He pointed out that the bridge had a straight side (perpendicular to the top) and a curved or cambered side. According to him, the straight side should be facing down toward the endpin. On my bridge, the straight side is facing up. I have two questions: Is my bridge indeed "upside down", and if so is this going to be a problem? I would like to get some opinions before I call the luthier and demand satisfaction.
 
#4
Larry Ames said:
I have two questions: Is my bridge indeed "upside down", and if so is this going to be a problem? I would like to get some opinions before I call the luthier and demand satisfaction.
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It sounds like your bridge is upside down. It likely isn't a problem, but it sure seems like a rookie mistake to me. I would be talking to the luthier and working something out if I were in your shoes. Just my 2 cents...
 
#6
Flat side faces the end pin. But I would still take it to a qualified luthier to make sure it is properly located and fitted. not just to the top but string length and diameter and relationship to the sound post. I would be suspect of anyones work who put it in backwards. Then again maybe it fits perfect the way it is.
 
#7
Larry Ames said:
I assume you are trying to be humerous here. The "sides" of the bridge to which I am referring could also be described as the flat faces. In profile it resembles a tall right triangle, with the 90 degree angle facing the fingerboard.
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I'm not just trying, I'm succeeding!

Assuming it is backwards, the problem with turning it around is that the notch currently holding the E string will be too wide for the G and vice versa.
 
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#8
TroyK said:
I'm not just trying, I'm succeeding!

Assuming it is backwards, the problem with turning it around is that the notch currently holding the E string will be too wide for the G and vice versa.
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Not only that, the curvature of the bridge top is asymmetrical, so I can't just "turn it around". If the "backwards" bridge is going to cause problems, the only solution that I can see is to have yet another bridge carved. $$$
 
#9
I've seen a lot of bridges fitted with neither side perpendicular to the top. I don't know that the problem you have discovered is a big problem, but if it's like you describe, the bridge sides are facing opposite the generally accepted way of fitting a bridge. It's more important the feet are fitted well to the top, the bridge is in the right location (between the f-hole notches), the bridge feet spacing / width is right for the bass itself (location of the bass bar), and the sound post is fitted correctly. If it plays well, sounds good, and no top damage is occurring from ill fitted feet, I'd say you are ok until you want to spend money to make the change. I'm not sure I'd take it back to the same guy.....
 
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#10
I agree with Tim. I played a bass for 25 years with a bridge that was fit by a respected luthier, with loads of experience, and the flat side faced north. Over all those years perhaps one person mentioned it. The bass sounded as good as it could, was stable, and the bridge never warped. Maybe not a big deal?
 
#11
BobKay said:
I agree with Tim. I played a bass for 25 years with a bridge that was fit by a respected luthier, with loads of experience, and the flat side faced north. Over all those years perhaps one person mentioned it. The bass sounded as good as it could, was stable, and the bridge never warped. Maybe not a big deal?
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Tim and Bob: Thanks for your input. That eases my mind somewhat. I was concerned about possible warpage or bridge creep from the differential pressure of the strings with the cambered face of the bridge facing down. Based on Bob's experience, I guess I'll just keep an eye on it for now.
 
#14
Tim Skaggs said:
I've seen a lot of bridges fitted with neither side perpendicular to the top. I don't know that the problem you have discovered is a big problem, but if it's like you describe, the bridge sides are facing opposite the generally accepted way of fitting a bridge. It's more important the feet are fitted well to the top, the bridge is in the right location (between the f-hole notches), the bridge feet spacing / width is right for the bass itself (location of the bass bar), and the sound post is fitted correctly. If it plays well, sounds good, and no top damage is occurring from ill fitted feet, I'd say you are ok until you want to spend money to make the change. I'm not sure I'd take it back to the same guy.....
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I have a question about the fitting or alignment of the bridge feet to the f hole notches. A well respected luthier told me the center of the feet should align with the lower notches, not mid-way between the notches and not with the upper notches. Some time ago I remember reading that the alignment should be mid-way between the notches. I'm hoping Jake will weigh in.........
 
#16
Roger Mouton said:
I have a question about the fitting or alignment of the bridge feet to the f hole notches. A well respected luthier told me the center of the feet should align with the lower notches, not mid-way between the notches and not with the upper notches. Some time ago I remember reading that the alignment should be mid-way between the notches. I'm hoping Jake will weigh in.........
Click to expand...

Centered on the "inner" notches (notches on the side of the "f" holes closest to the center of the top) is what I've always understood as the correct location.
 
#17
Roger Mouton said:
I have a question about the fitting or alignment of the bridge feet to the f hole notches. A well respected luthier told me the center of the feet should align with the lower notches, not mid-way between the notches and not with the upper notches. Some time ago I remember reading that the alignment should be mid-way between the notches. I'm hoping Jake will weigh in.........
Click to expand...
Hey Roger, I usually centre the feet on the inner nicks - that seems to be the maker's intent, but I'm not averse to altering that positioning when necessary.

On the newly resurrected Rauner I have scooted the bridge up a little as well as cutting the bridge with an angle at the back in order to shorten the string length somewhat and help my wife feel more at home on this bass. The sound post is positioned appropriately with regard to the bridge and of course, the bass bar has a meaty enough centre section to support the bridge. She's very happy with the playing feel and the bass sounds terrific! :thumbsup::cool:
 
#18
Tim Skaggs said:
Centered on the "inner" notches (notches on the side of the "f" holes closest to the center of the top) is what I've always understood as the correct location.
Click to expand...
I think that's what about 99.99% of luthiers will say. There is a workable range, naturally, but I've never heard anyone mention the outer notches as being relevant.
 

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