Double Bass Lowering the E and A

[jasonrp]

After searching around I really hate to ask but I've seen alot of threads on lowering the G and D but couldn't find any about the E and A. I would think that all I would have to do is slowly sand that half down along the same curvature then re groove the notches correct? Make sure the bridge isn't too thick on that side? and take measures to keep my soundpost standing

I'm asking because if I get my G where I want it, my E and A are too high just by a few MM. I can slap them but it makes my sound real uneven and choppy because I have to use so much more force to get the string to hit the fingerboard.

My bridge is adjustable but to get my strings where I want them, I have to have it uneven and I know that's not really a good idea. While I would never claim to be a master woodworker, I have enough basic skills to do that unless there is something else I'm not seeing in this picture

I've got Rotosounds on at the moment if that matters, probably golden slaps next

I know going to a luthier would be the ideal solution but its about an hour and a half drive for a few millimeters of sanding that I see no reason why I couldn't do on my own

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I'm not luthier either, but I have used a round file to carefully take down a string groove itself, a little at a time. I left the top of the bridge alone. Make sure the groove is rounded so the string doesn't catch when tuning.

 

[jasonrp]

I was wondering about just filing the grooves. They are nowhere near 1/3 string depth and I'd rather just do that than start grinding on the bridge. Just because I Think I can do it doesn't mean I wouldn't mind avoiding it. Special files or just something gentle?

I wouldn't mind hearing some others chime in also

 

[DoubleMIDI]

You can start with filing down the grooves until you are satisfied with the action and file down the bridge top afterwards until the grooves are 1/3 string diameter deep.

 

[jasonrp]

I would have to check the bridge thickness after, correct? Or is as little as I'm doing not really an issue?

 

[DoubleMIDI]

It's probably not an issue.
But at least one Millimeter more string height to the next lower neighbor should remain. Don't go too low with the E.
With synthetic core strings I would recommend 6 to 7 mm for the G and 10 to 12 mm for the E.

 

[jasonrp]

One last question...I promise. Should I bottom out the bridge or leave it where I like the D and G? I'd think even it up and leave it then do the sanding.

Thanks for the help, guys

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I'm not completely sure what you mean, but the visible thread height should be the same on G- and E-side. Otherwise the adjusters might be harder to turn.

 

[jasonrp]

Thanks for the help Guys!

I lowered the bridge entirely and then raised it EVENLY, for once, until the G was in a good slap height. I then measured and slowly sanded/lowered the others one at a time.

Just finished and that thing has come to life! I can't believe how much different it sounds. Suprisingly louder and slaps like a dream! Also penciled the nut and got rid of some A string hang up. I was so surprised I had to log on and update.

G 6mm, D 7mm, A 8mm, E 9.5ishmm (I have very skinny fingertips)