Double Bass Setup for jazz bass

[Randy Howard]

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

 

[unbrokenchain]

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)!

 

[Randy Howard]

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)!

Oops! Got my terminology mixed up. I meant pizzicato, not plectrum.

 

[unbrokenchain]

Oops! Got my terminology mixed up. I meant pizzicato, not plectrum.

I almost asked if that's what you meant, but far be it from me to say it can't be done

 

[Eric Hochberg]

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.

 

[GretschWretch]

I almost asked if that's what you meant, but far be it from me to say it can't be done

It has been done. In at about 3:16.

 

[unbrokenchain]

Good catch GretschWretch

 

[robobass]

I think I've seen some eastern European folk bassists use a big felt pick.

 

[GretschWretch]

I think I've seen some eastern European folk bassists use a big felt pick.

Not just European folk bassists.

 

[Bassndrums73]

Thanks for this post. I have never seen a bass made like this. Very interesting.