Double Bass Should I replace the strings if I just want to move my bridge back 1 inch ?

[Mr.Bassist]

I have had these strings on for 2 weeks but I want the bridge closer to my sound post so should I consider getting new strings before doing so or will the bend in the strings just flex back into place from the tension ?

 

[not_jason]

Is a "sound post" a pickup?
[DEL]
I think what you are saying is that you intend to move the location of your bridge, so that your pickup is in effect, closer to the bridge, to give you a different tone. Is this correct?

DO NOT DO THIS.

The location of the bridge is not arbitrary. It is where it is for a reason, and if you move it, you WILL mess up your intonation horribly, which means your bass will never sound in tune, or anything even remotely close to tune. This is a bad, bad idea.[/DEL]

I think I read this wrong? Regardless, an inch is a long way to move your saddles. Be sure you know what the function of them is before you adjust them.

 

[shadygrove]

Is a "sound post" a pickup?
[DEL]
I think what you are saying is that you intend to move the location of your bridge, so that your pickup is in effect, closer to the bridge, to give you a different tone. Is this correct?

DO NOT DO THIS.

The location of the bridge is not arbitrary. It is where it is for a reason, and if you move it, you WILL mess up your intonation horribly, which means your bass will never sound in tune, or anything even remotely close to tune. This is a bad, bad idea.[/DEL]

I think I read this wrong? Regardless, an inch is a long way to move your saddles. Be sure you know what the function of them is before you adjust them.

Or maybe you read it right, but without realizing you're in the double bass forum ?

 

[gbaker]

I have had these strings on for 2 weeks but I want the bridge closer to my sound post so should I consider getting new strings before doing so or will the bend in the strings just flex back into place from the tension ?

The string bends should straighten out fine.

BUT don't move the bridge to adjust the sound post position. Keep (or place) the bridge centered on a line (lightly drawn) between the inside notches of the ff holes +- 1/4". If you hare a hands-on kind of person:

Just loosen the strings enough to move them sideways from the bridge, if the SP is loose keep some pressure on the top to keep it from falling, set the bridge or mark the feet position, if necessary carefully bump (top and bottom) the SP to where you want it in relationship to the bridge , usually in line with the foot but about 3/4" below the foot edge toward the tail piece.

Then put some graphite from a pencil in the grooves of the bridge and nut and tighten strings. Make sure the bridge stays at 90 degrees to the top and the feet are well fitted to the top.

Normal disclaimer. Good luck.

 

[drurb]

...if necessary carefully bump (top and bottom) the SP to where you want it in relationship to the bridge , usually in line with the foot but about 3/4" below the foot edge toward the tail piece.

Hmm, with all due respect, I wouldn't recommend this at all, even if you are a hands-on person. Unless you have a SP setting tool and are well-versed in positioning the SP, take it to a luthier. It is quite possible that you could move the SP enough so that it is no longer fully flush with the top and/or back. It could end up "en point" and cause damage.

 

[WookieeForLife]

Or maybe you read it right, but without realizing you're in the double bass forum ?

AHAHAHAHAHAHAhA I was thinking the same as the first reply until you said this.