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Setup for jazz bass

Discussion in 'Setup & Repair [DB]' started by Randy Howard, Jun 13, 2019.

  1. Jun 13, 2019 #1
    Randy Howard

    Randy Howard

    Apr 2, 2015
    Been a long time since I posted. I played folk upright for 12 years in several dance bands but now play jazz for my own entertainment at home. Since I often played folk non-amplified I used a high string height so I could really dig in and get some volume. Plectrum, no Arco. Now I would like to know of a suggested setup for jazz. I play Thomastick nickel flat wounds because they are smooth sounding with a lot of mwhaa and easy on the fingers. They last a looong time too.


    So what should string height be at the nut? And where else is string height measured? I see recommendations for string height but where is it measured on the fingerboard?

    String gauge is .048, .065, .078, .105".

    Also, years ago I bought a solid nylon cord to attach the tailpiece which replaces the factory steel rod one. Is this worth trading for the steel one?

    BTY - My bass is a Kay, vintage 1944, laminate body. It sounds pretty good.

    Randy
     
  2. Jun 13, 2019 #2
    unbrokenchain

    unbrokenchain Supporting Member

    Jun 8, 2011
    Black Mountain, NC
    Plectrum on double bass? Interesting.

    String height is usually measured at the end (bridge side) of the fingerboard, 6-7mm on the G string probably a good place to start?

    As for the nut end, I use the business card test - stick a card under the string and push it toward the nut, if it just barely fits with some resistance then it's perfect.

    Tailgut, the nylon one is better than the coat hanger, but a steel cable is better yet (imo)!
     
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  3. Jun 13, 2019 #3
    Randy Howard

    Randy Howard

    Apr 2, 2015
    Oops! Got my terminology mixed up. I meant pizzicato, not plectrum.
     
  4. Jun 13, 2019 #4
    unbrokenchain

    unbrokenchain Supporting Member

    Jun 8, 2011
    Black Mountain, NC
    I almost asked if that's what you meant, but far be it from me to say it can't be done :D
     
  5. Jun 26, 2019 #5
    Eric Hochberg

    Eric Hochberg Supporting Member

    Jul 7, 2004
    Chicago
    Try 4mm-7mm at the end of the board and then change as necessary. Do you have an adjustable bridge? Your bridge may have to be reshaped or slots adjusted depending on its relation to the board.
     
  6. Jun 26, 2019 #6
    GretschWretch

    GretschWretch Supporting Member

    Dec 27, 2013
    East Central Alabama
    It has been done. In at about 3:16.

     
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  7. Jun 26, 2019 #7
    unbrokenchain

    unbrokenchain Supporting Member

    Jun 8, 2011
    Black Mountain, NC
    Good catch GretschWretch
     
  8. Jun 26, 2019 #8
    robobass

    robobass

    Aug 1, 2005
    Cologne, Germany
    Private Inventor - Bass Capos
    I think I've seen some eastern European folk bassists use a big felt pick.
     
  9. Jun 26, 2019 #9
    GretschWretch

    GretschWretch Supporting Member

    Dec 27, 2013
    East Central Alabama
    Not just European folk bassists.

    [​IMG]

    upload_2019-6-26_17-38-31.jpeg upload_2019-6-26_17-38-31.jpeg
     
  10. Jun 26, 2019 #10
    Bassndrums73

    Bassndrums73

    Mar 13, 2018
    Ohio
    Thanks for this post. I have never seen a bass made like this. Very interesting.