Double Bass setup protocol?

[Matthew Tucker]

I am doing a setup for a client.

The bass is strung with obligatos.

The setup process naturally requires several string down/string up cycles.

I am being very careful in how I do this because of the nature of these nylon core strings. If the bass had spiros I wouldn't worry.

However, if despite my best care one of these more break-prone strings pops during the setup process, what is the usual expectation? That I replace the string at my cost? Or that the client foots the bill? This is, after all, a matter of more than a few shillings.

 

[idahohay]

I always use old strings for that purpose.

But in the event a string breaks and you supplied them it is your responsibility. If the customer supplied them it would make for a difficult situation but the responsibilty would shift.

If you have a good relationship with your supplier you may be able to get them to reimburse you on your next string order and they usually want the broken string or strings. I say strings because I had a number of strings(violin D strings from the same bulk tube-) break on installation and some customer complaints (6 or 8 strings) and they gave me a ten pack with no questions asked. I have not had a bass string break on installation but try to avoid using brand new strings for the bulk of the setup process.

Strings are a royal pain because in most cases small shops can't buy them from suppliers as low as you can buy them on line. I think in some cases on line suppliers will give a replacement.

 

[Darren Molnar]

When I think theres going to be a problem with this, I mention it ahead of time, telling the client that there is always a possibility of the strings not surviving the set-up routine, and that they may have to buy one or more strings after its all said and done.

they've always agreed to this. I think the imortant part is to mention this before you start.Then there's no surprises.

 

[james condino]

In general, if I'm doing work that involves the strings, I reccommend they bring in a fresh set and explain the likelyhood of a break. If the strings were reasonably new, take the hit for it and replace it on your dollar. If it is an Obligato, my guess is it was the G or D; they are about $35 for singles. They always seem to unwind and or break, but they've also got a particular character that is very popular in my area.

Broken strings are a chronic issue with setup work due to the amount of tuning/ untuning that it takes. As a general rule, this should be one of the things you add into your pricing, just like when you take an old top or flatback off the ribs, the tension released regularly shows up in unexpected cracks. My general approach is that if I work on it and anything goes wrong in that area for the next three years, it is my fault and I cover it.....not always fun, but it builds great longterm customers.

j.
www.condino.com

 

[Jake deVilliers]

+1 on the old strings.
I have a set of old Supers and Spiros that I use for all preliminary setups. I don't have to worry about the breakage factor and I get to hear the different basses with the same strings.

 

[Matthew Tucker]

I have already spoken to the owner about the possibility of a break. I was going to use different strings for the setup but the oblis have already been off the bass once or twice before and I wanted to minimise the number of times I wind them on and off the pegs.

I don't think these will break, as I am very careful and the strings are generally in good nick. But I'm mindful that anything could happen.

 

[Damon Rondeau]

Matthew, I've been staring at that mask for about 30 minutes now waiting for it to blink. What gives?

 

[Eric Swanson]

Yeah, the eyes definitely move, right? Or did I take too many vitamins in the 70's?

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Well, the eyes move for me, but I took a lot of vitamins too.