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Double Bass My bridge slightly moved

I

Inconnu

Nov 1, 2005
2,407
1,148
Montreal, Canada
#1
Hi !

I've had an upright for less then a year so I'm still new to this. I realized today that my bridge has slightly moved(approx 2mm down and 3mm left). Should I take it to the luthier, leave it that way or detune the strings and put it back in place myself.

My luthier marked the bridge position at the last setup.

Thanks !
 
#3
Loosen the strings only enough to force the bridge into place. Don't relieve all the tension. That will reduce the likelyhood of the post moving.

If you are a little adventurous, you can probably move the bridge without loosening the strings at all. I do it all the time.
 
#5
jaydbass said:
Yip. Hai-ya!:ninja:
Click to expand...


I never have been a karate chop guy. That is a little spooky for me. My teacher showed me an easy way that is much safer.

If the bridge is tipping, you can grasp the G and E in your fists and use your thumbs to leverage the feet back down flush on the top. The same idea works for actually scooting the feet. Just be careful where you leverage from.
 
#6
Chasarms said:
If the bridge is tipping, you can grasp the G and E in your fists and use your thumbs to leverage the feet back down flush on the top. The same idea works for actually scooting the feet. Just be careful where you leverage from.
Click to expand...

Interesting, I'd like to try this on my bridge. Are you saying you grasp the G and E strings, and push with your thumbs on the top of the bridge?

Do you do this with the strings at tension, or loosened?
 
#7
I'm not following the G and E thing. If the bridge is leaning forward, grip the E and A and push with your thumb directly twixt the A and D. This will give you the best leverage.You will not break the bridge this way. If the slots are good and the string windings are not compromised then you can move the bridge under tension. If the windings are broken at all it will form a sharp edge that will dig into the wood and make it difficult or impossible to move. Then you will need to decrease the tension. As far as lateral movement, if you want to move the brdge to the bass side grasp the eff hole with four fingers and hook your thumb around the bass side bridge leg. Then gently tap the treble leg while exerting gentle pulling pressure on the bass leg. You need the proper tool to do the tapping. I use a very small Japanese hammer. The tool will have to be small enough to fit so it doesn't hit the adjuster and have enough mass to have an effect. I am drawing a blank right now as to what household items may work.

ps-of course just reverse the process if the bridge favors the bass side.
 
#8
"I'm not following the G and E thing."

Jeff, I think Chas is describing the two-handed method, while you're thinking one-handed. I use the double thumb method myself, having smaller hands. When its on the bench I pull the top of the bridge back toward me with my fingers while steadying the endblock with my chest.
 
#12
Jake deVilliers said:
"I'm not following the G and E thing."

Jeff, I think Chas is describing the two-handed method, while you're thinking one-handed. I use the double thumb method myself, having smaller hands. When its on the bench I pull the top of the bridge back toward me with my fingers while steadying the endblock with my chest.
Click to expand...

Yup. I use two hands. One thumb 'tween the E and A, the other D and G.
 

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