Double Bass Placing Strings??

[Rayzorx]

Hi All,
I'm picking up my first URB tomorrow.

I plan to lay it flat in the studio for a few days, just to be sure it's acclimated. After that, I'll be ready to set the bridge and pull up the strings.
My question is:
Do the strings need to be pulled up onto the bridge in a certain order? And should I let the string tension "settle in" before playing for the first time?

Thanks!

 

[Chasarms]

Hi All,
I'm picking up my first URB tomorrow.

I plan to lay it flat in the studio for a few days, just to be sure it's acclimated. After that, I'll be ready to set the bridge and pull up the strings.
My question is:
Do the strings need to be pulled up onto the bridge in a certain order? And should I let the string tension "settle in" before playing for the first time?

Thanks!

If the bass is not under tension, your biggest concern should the be soundpost. If the bass is shipped (or even transported in a car) with no tension on the top, there is some chance of the post moving.

I am assuming you are talking about a bass that is strung but the bridge is not in place.

The order of strings is not important except that obviously the A and D will go over the bridge before the E and G.

If the bass has been under tension before, you may see the impressions in the finish where the feet go. If not, you align them with notches in the FFs.

The most important thing to avoid is the tipping of the bridge. As you bring the strings up to pitch, the bridge often will tip toward the fingerboard. You need to rub the string grooves with a pencil for some lube. If it still tips, you'll need to manually push it back into into place.

The bridge feet must be flush all the way around and well fitted on the top. Otherwise, you'll have not only tone issues, but a chance of bad things happening down the road.

Once it is tuned to pitch, PLAY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way I would sit around for a day and look at it.

 

[philip sirois]

If the bass is not under tension, your biggest concern should the be soundpost. If the bass is shipped (or even transported in a car) with no tension on the top, there is some chance of the post moving.

I am assuming you are talking about a bass that is strung but the bridge is not in place.

The order of strings is not important except that obviously the A and D will go over the bridge before the E and G.

If the bass has been under tension before, you may see the impressions in the finish where the feet go. If not, you align them with notches in the FFs.

The most important thing to avoid is the tipping of the bridge. As you bring the strings up to pitch, the bridge often will tip toward the fingerboard. You need to rub the string grooves with a pencil for some lube. If it still tips, you'll need to manually push it back into into place.

The bridge feet must be flush all the way around and well fitted on the top. Otherwise, you'll have not only tone issues, but a chance of bad things happening down the road.

Once it is tuned to pitch, PLAY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way I would sit around for a day and look at it.

+1

And does it really need to be acclimated for a couple of days before stringing it? You, rayzor, are a man of great patience!

I'd string the damn thing up and play it!

 

[Rayzorx]

+1

And does it really need to be acclimated for a couple of days before stringing it? You, rayzor, are a man of great patience!

I'd string the damn thing up and play it!

Yes, patience I have. I want to be sure the carved wood has a chance to absorb the humidity in the studio and not crack.