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Double Bass Setting a bass on its ribs...

R

rake

May 4, 2004
79
1
Michigan
#1
More a curiosity than a concern - I've read several times here that when setting a bass on its ribs, it should go treble side down. Now, I've always just blindly followed this rule but I'm curious as to why. Is there a risk of damage or setup tweaking due to some stress I'm not considering?
 
#2
I've always just assumed this was the natural way to set the bass down as you are generally holding the neck with your left hand... I've never heard of any rationale for doing this, but I would be curious to find out if there was some greater reasoning behind it (although I'm doubtful...)
 
#4
Ah, so the curve of the top plate holds it more securely in that position. Is it that much of a risk with a well fitting soundpost?

I'm planning on getting an H-Clamp to use for pit work and am seeing that it might be an issue to set the bass treble side down with it still attached. Might be best to come up with something to rest/raise the upper bout.

Thanks!
 
#5
That's interesting about the sound post. Makes sense, although I don't think a properly fitted post under tension is at risk of falling in the hands of someone who is careful with the instrument no matter which way it is oriented. I usually rest the top bout of my instrument on a padded chair- orchestras will sometimes provide these (or other rests) to the bass section for this purpose. This would solve the problem with your clamp, but a pit might be a little tight for an extra chair.
 
#6
I think Kungfu was pulling your legs, guys. :)

No, the soundpost is no more stable whether it's laid down on one side or the other, given that it's fitted even close to reasonably well. Gravity affects the soundpost whether the bass is on the G or E side. What you must consider, however, is lambda creep.
 
#7
More like, maybe somebody was pulling mine. I do drive my basses around strapped G-side down in the back of a pickup truck, so I prefer to err on the side of caution.

And for the record, yes, a properly fitted post should be stable no matter which side the bass is laying on. That said, ask how many properly fitted anythings I see looking at basses...:rollno:
 
#8
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
More like, maybe somebody was pulling mine. I do drive my basses around strapped G-side down in the back of a pickup truck, so I prefer to err on the side of caution.

And for the record, yes, a properly fitted post should be stable no matter which side the bass is laying on. That said, ask how many properly fitted anythings I see looking at basses...:rollno:
Click to expand...

Well, the post would have to be awfully loose to fall with the bass on it's side and with the strings at pitch. On that we agree. Just for fun, consider a post that's positioned just south and east of the G-foot of the bridge (as many are). Now, it can easily be the case that westward movement toward the G-foot, where it is pressing down on the top, would require more force than eastward movement away from the bridge foot. In that case, laying the bass down on the E-side would be less risky. This is really much ado about nothing, IMO. Just as a matter of habit, I do lay my bass down on the G side most of the time. When it's in the case and stored somewhere, it depends on how it fits better into the space.

The best part is that I got to resurrect lambda creep! :)
 
#9
rake said:
More a curiosity than a concern - I've read several times here that when setting a bass on its ribs, it should go treble side down. Now, I've always just blindly followed this rule but I'm curious as to why. Is there a risk of damage or setup tweaking due to some stress I'm not considering?
Click to expand...

It doesn't matter which side you lay it on. If the bass side is more convenient, go right ahead! ;)
 
#15
Isn't it because in playing position the bass is to your left so it's the quicker/easier way to lay it down. Your left hand is already on the neck. If it you laid it on the bass side you would have to change hands and move the bass to your right before laying it.

...I can't think why you shouldn't use the bass side, but for me the treble feels a lot more natural.
 

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