Double Bass Soundpost on Bracing not on back

[heymrbassman]

Hi
Flatback 3/4, all wood, 1950s, probably Austrian (not sure but most likely not German) The front has been reinforce with little pins (ouch!) sounds great when amplified and acoustic

I have had this bass for ages and have always thought it could be louder. It is quieter when compared to similar 'large 3/4 size basses. I recently got a smaller 'student' bass and this is louder than my old bass. I had a new fingerboard, and bridge fitted a while back and the guy said he had to slightly angle the soundpost to get it to fit on the wood bracing running across the back and in a good position under the bridge. The bracing is dierctly under the bridge and is about 3inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. The soundpost is fittted right on the edge but has been secure for years with no problem.

Will the fact that the soundpost is on the bracing make the bass resonate less?
Should the soundpost be on the back or on the bracing?
Is the bracing needed or could I have it removed?

Let me know if a picture would help

many thanks

H

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I'm a novice in DB construction, but I for one have never heard about braces in back. No flatbacks for me so that may be the reason .

As for Your question about the pics, YES, those definitely would help.

The loudness of an acoustic instrument is always a tricky thing, especially on a bass instrument since some bulders put more emphasis on flat(ish) frequency response, while others sacrifice the lows to increase mids. The latter approach wil yield "louder" instrument.

Regards
Sam

 

[David Potts]

The bottom of the sound post should be on the cross brace. Is your bridge in the right position. There is a notch on the center side (inside) of each F hole. A line between these notches should pass through the middle of each foot of the bridge. The sound post should stand vertically, about its own diameter (+ or - a mm or so) below the tailpiece-side of the bridge foot and about in line with the leg. If the bridge and sound post are in the right position the bottom of the post should be on the cross brace.

In most flat backs that I have seen the cross brace (or strut) is positioned at the bottom of the C bouts and its lower edge is about level with the bottom of the lower block on each side.

I suggest finding a luthier who specialises in the bass in order to optimise your set-up. If that doesn't improve matters perhaps start saving for a "new" bass? If a bass doesn't start life with a big sound chances are that it will not change.

Best wishes,

DP

 

[heymrbassman]

Thanks for the advice. I will take to it someone to have a look, although this does confirm the bass has been set-up right in the first place. The soundpost is exactly where you suggest it should be. The slight angle is there to get it onto the cross brace.

My main question has been answered. The soundpost should be fitted on the cross brace. I thought this may reduce the resonance of the back but its only because my other bass is a round back and I have never seen another flatback so I am comparing flatback with round back

thanks again