Double Bass Should I see a Luthier? High arch

[Slaphound]

I feel like the arch of my fingerboard from the G to the E string is too high. I guess you would say the fingerboard has a small radius. Is it possible to have my bass set up differently?

I'm a novice with the upright and I'm mostly concerned with snapping and slapping, 'Rockabilly' style, and sometimes I feel like I'm reaching far from and around the 'D' string. I suppose I am just still learning and struggling but I was thinking of taking my bass to a luthier for set up.

 

[jasonrp]

I'd think that would be more of a bridge issue if I'm understanding what you are saying. Could you take a pic?

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Yes

 

[Steve Swan]

What kind of bass is it? If you want to sell it, will a potential arco player be unable to play it when you flat tent the arch to a Kay-like shape? Is this a bass that only slap and folk pizz players want to play? Let us know!

 

[Slaphound]

What kind of bass is it? If you want to sell it, will a potential arco player be unable to play it when you flat tent the arch to a Kay-like shape? Is this a bass that only slap and folk pizz players want to play? Let us know!

It is a Shen SB90.

 

[Steve Swan]

My only concern for you is that when it comes time to sell your bass, it will not be useable for anyone who uses a bow in their playing. Good luck!

 

[Slaphound]

My only concern for you is that when it comes time to sell your bass, it will not be useable for anyone who uses a bow in their playing. Good luck!

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Slaphound]

What kind of bass is it? If you want to sell it, will a potential arco player be unable to play it when you flat tent the arch to a Kay-like shape? Is this a bass that only slap and folk pizz players want to play? Let us know!

Steve. Would I have been better off buying a different bass like a Kay or Engelhardt? It seems that, maybe, my bass is good for arco but not for slap or folk pizz.

 

[Slaphound]

I'd think that would be more of a bridge issue if I'm understanding what you are saying. Could you take a pic?

Here is one. Is there a better angle I should take a shot of?

 

[Steve Swan]

I wouldn't suggest that. But, folks who have gotten used to playing on a really flat radius fingerboard that we find on some Kay basses might find it hard to get used to a conventional radius such as what you have. Consulting with a luthier and/or a bass teacher might get you pointed in the right direction.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I've been slapping on basses set up with a good strong orchestra curve in the bridge and fingerboard as long as I've been playing. Never had a problem.

 

[Slaphound]

Another shot.
Kungfusheriff, I don't know if I'm just not there yet. Thats why I want to ask here first. I'm sure I will need to see a luthier if I still struggle with the G string as I am now.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

That curve looks fine. Learn to play around it. The benefits outweigh the liabilities by far.

 

[tbplayer59]

I'm a novice on upright too, but I'd ask you if this bass has ever been to a luthier? And where did you get it? From my short experience, I've learned that lower end basses don't come ready to play. They need to be setup by a luthier. Unless you bought it from a specialty bass place, in which case, they do a setup before selling it.

 

[Slaphound]

I'm a novice on upright too, but I'd ask you if this bass has ever been to a luthier? And where did you get it? From my short experience, I've learned that lower end basses don't come ready to play. They need to be setup by a luthier. Unless you bought it from a specialty bass place, in which case, they do a setup before selling it.

Thanks tbplayer59. It was set up originally by the shop I bought it from but at the time, I didn't know I would be slapping so much.

Kungfu. I'm probably going to go with your suggestion but I do want to take her to a good luthier and let him tell me what he thinks. BTW, its been about a week and a half since I started this thread and the problem is less severe now after pounding away at it.