Double Bass Lowering only the D string height at the bridge

[Chris Fitzgerald]

I got a set of Husky precision files at Home Depot and brought down the E and A, I did the same amount each and reshaped the crown. It was easy and the bass plays better.

@damonsmith were they like this set? I'm going by a HD tomorrow and this would be an easy pickup if it will do the job. If it's basically the same set, which file did you reshape the crown with? I figure I can't do too much damage because in question is also too high with the adjusters all the way in and an eventual luthier trip can fix any damage done.

Also, for students, can these kinds of adjustments be made to a single string slot with the bridge still on the bass, just moving the string in question out of the way? My office isn't really set up for extensive work, but that might be doable in this case and for minute adjustments for future students who are either too busy or too poor to visit a luthier at any given time.

 

[damonsmith]

@damonsmith were they like this set? I'm going by a HD tomorrow and this would be an easy pickup if it will do the job. If it's basically the same set, which file did you reshape the crown with? I figure I can't do too much damage because in question is also too high with the adjusters all the way in and an eventual luthier trip can fix any damage done.

Also, for students, can these kinds of adjustments be made to a single string slot with the bridge still on the bass, just moving the string in question out of the way? My office isn't really set up for extensive work, but that might be doable in this case and for minute adjustments for future students who are either too busy or too poor to visit a luthier at any given time.

That is the same set, I got a bigger file for $6.95 to reshape the bridge. I left the bridge on the bass. I had the same logic - if it is too high with the adjusters it is worth a try.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

If you reshape the crown after deepening the slots, better take off the string next to that too to avoid damaging the string with the file by accident.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Also, for students, can these kinds of adjustments be made to a single string slot with the bridge still on the bass, just moving the string in question out of the way?

That's the way I've done it.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

OK, got the files, lowered a couple of strings, and it seems pretty easy! Still have some tweaking to do, but it's much better now. A trip to the luthier will still be in order, but until then, the bass is a lot more playable.

 

[BobKay]

Here is a related question (if I'm hijacking the thread, please delete): I'm taking my bass to a luthier to change the string height on the G string. It is too low. The adjusters are pretty much bottomed out, and the other three strings are perfect; so if I just crank up both sides, the others will be too high. My plan is to ask him to reshape the bridge to lower the E-A-D, and then crank up the adjusters to get all the strings at the right height. Does that seem like a reasonable approach? There seems to be plenty of wood between the top of the bridge and the top of the heart.

Of course I'll also ask him to be sure that the fingerboard hasn't twisted or warped in any way that would have caused this condition, and that everything is OK at the nut.

 

[wathaet]

You can have a wedge shaped woodpiece grafted under the G to raise it. Works well and it is a common and simple procedure.

Here is a related question (if I'm hijacking the thread, please delete): I'm taking my bass to a luthier to change the string height on the G string. It is too low. The adjusters are pretty much bottomed out, and the other three strings are perfect; so if I just crank up both sides, the others will be too high. My plan is to ask him to reshape the bridge to lower the E-A-D, and then crank up the adjusters to get all the strings at the right height. Does that seem like a reasonable approach? There seems to be plenty of wood between the top of the bridge and the top of the heart.

Of course I'll also ask him to be sure that the fingerboard hasn't twisted or warped in any way that would have caused this condition, and that everything is OK at the nut.

 

[damonsmith]

If you are taking it in and your adjusters are all the way down, I'd get it set so your action is on the low side of what you like. I move my action up and down depending on concerts I have.

Here is a related question (if I'm hijacking the thread, please delete): I'm taking my bass to a luthier to change the string height on the G string. It is too low. The adjusters are pretty much bottomed out, and the other three strings are perfect; so if I just crank up both sides, the others will be too high. My plan is to ask him to reshape the bridge to lower the E-A-D, and then crank up the adjusters to get all the strings at the right height. Does that seem like a reasonable approach? There seems to be plenty of wood between the top of the bridge and the top of the heart.

Of course I'll also ask him to be sure that the fingerboard hasn't twisted or warped in any way that would have caused this condition, and that everything is OK at the nut.

 

[BobKay]

Good suggestions. Thanks. I'll try and remember to report back on the solution. Appointment is next week.

 

[GretschWretch]

Another option might be to use a paste of sanding dust and super-glue in the g-slot to raise it. Simpler than filing down the slots for the other three strings, and the paste patch can be a tad high and then filed down to level.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

Another option might be to use a paste of sanding dust and super-glue in the g-slot to raise it. Simpler than filing down the slots for the other three strings, and the paste patch can be a tad high and then filed down to level.

But that would require the string notch is deep enough to allow to fill something in it (?)

 

[eh_train]

The adjusters are pretty much bottomed out, and the other three strings are perfect; so if I just crank up both sides, the others will be too high. My plan is to ask him to reshape the bridge to lower the E-A-D, and then crank up the adjusters to get all the strings at the right height.

Sorry if I'm continuing the derail, but you've identified a pet peeve of min - adjusters that are bottomed out.

Your solution is right on, given the situation. You've said that the E-A-D are perfect, but if the adjusters are bottomed out you effectively have a non-adjustable bridge for 3 of the 4 strings (and the 4th string is too low!).

Adjusters should be set up so that your strings can be raised or lowered. That's the point of them.