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Double Bass Like a Bridge over

#21
Wasn't William the Conqueror French?

holygrail05.jpg
 
#30
Eric,

I'll assume you're not being "flip" with that answer. And if I'm starting something about bridges that has been around already I expect the MODS will jump in. Please??

I see that you post a lot so you must have experience in this area. And if you don't change your bridge (it sounds like never) then I'm encouraged that I might not have to get a new one.

I'm installing adjusters. My "local", as yet not named, but who has worked on my instrument for years, advises a new bridge about every 5 years. I'm way overdue if that's the case. Recalling the wave form that emanates when a bridge vibrates (someone went to the trouble of graphically illustrating it, perhaps David Gage) there's a definite twisting motion. If I can find it I'll try to post it.

All this motion apparently affects the sound transmission properties of the bridge. There's almost a suggestion that bridge properties that are conducive to sound wave transmission begin to deteriorate or that the bridge begins to deaden. Anyone?
 
#32
Roger Mouton said:
Eric,

I'll assume you're not being "flip" with that answer. ...My "local", as yet not named, but who has worked on my instrument for years, advises a new bridge about every 5 years. I'm way overdue if that's the case. ...
All this motion apparently affects the sound transmission properties of the bridge. There's almost a suggestion that bridge properties that are conducive to sound wave transmission begin to deteriorate or that the bridge begins to deaden. Anyone?
Click to expand...

I'm quite confident that Eric was serious. In fact, I had the same reaction. If the bridge is structurally sound, not warped, and of good quality, then I see no reason to replace it. I have never heard any trusted luthier advise that a bridge be replaced after a specific amount of time. If the transmission of vibration were detrimental, in and of itself, then I suspect there would also be the suggestion that we replace the carved tops of our basses periodically.
 
#33
Yeah, well, I understand your logic but we're not talking about carved tops. They clearly do quite a different thing. If we keep this confined to bridges themselves then the thread won't wander off somewhere.

How's that? I sound like a MOD don't I? Ooops, maybe you are a MOD. The luthier is well respected and well known..............probably 40 years worth. I will delve into this a little more to see if there is any supporting information. Suffice to say this luthier isn't internet savvy, does not do email and will never weigh in unless I do an interview, get additional references and subsequently post more information.
 
#34
Roger Mouton said:
Yeah, well, I understand your logic but we're not talking about carved tops. They clearly do quite a different thing. If we keep this confined to bridges themselves then the thread won't wander off somewhere.

How's that? I sound like a MOD don't I? Ooops, maybe you are a MOD. The luthier is well respected and well known..............probably 40 years worth. I will delve into this a little more to see if there is any supporting information. Suffice to say this luthier isn't internet savvy, does not do email and will never weigh in unless I do an interview, get additional references and subsequently post more information.
Click to expand...

As Eric and others have said, the bridge gets replaced when it starts to warp or when you realize that the bridge on your bass is inferior and holding your bass back.

I'm perfectly happy to install adjusters in an existing bridge, as long as its in good shape and made of decent wood. Sometimes a set of adjusters and a little re-shaping are all that's necessary. ;)
 
#35
Roger, I wasn't being flip at all. My 35 (at least) year old bridge with adjusters is still working fine. Traeger says 10 years for a bridge. I don't know if my bass would sound better or worse with a new bridge and don't really want to spend the $450 to find out until this one finally gives out. My veteran luthier has never suggested it either.
 
#39
I know of a couple of shops that pretty much when you walk in the door they advise you that you need a new bridge and soundpost; kind of like when you go to some car repair shops and they give you a big line about your muffler bearings being shot and it will run you a few hundred $.

I generally never replace either unless it is a significant upgrade or there are obvious signs of deforming / failure / warping. A good quality bridge like a Despiau or such tends to last a long time; some of the cheap Chinese models advertised as a "bargain" tend to warp like a potato chip within a couple of years....
 
#40
One of the benefits of working in a large shop is the ability to improve my instruments rather economically. Today I cut a new bridge for my Kay. There was really nothing wrong with the one it had, other than it being the lowest grade of Chinese wood and the fact that I rushed the installation. I also wanted to make sone tonal adjustments. I had a three tree Despiau calling to me but I more wisely chose a really nice Chinese blank. Nice even, tight grain and it has been aging at the shop for several years so I don't expect it to warp.

The Kay has had a rather nasal D string and I wanted a deeper, warmer tone. I left the new bridge about 2mm thicker (6.5mm at the top) with beefy legs and feet. Standard aluminum adjusters are my preference. Everybody in the shop noticed the improvement. It's a loud, meaty bass.

I'm constantly fascinated by the improvements to be gained by rather small changes in setup. A mm here, a mm there..........
 
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