Double Bass string height determination

[swervy jervy]

Maybe this is a silly question, but when people discuss their string heights where on the fingerboard are they taking the measurement? This would have to be the same spot across all basses to have any relative meaning, no? (If it has any meaning at all from bass to bass but that's another topic...)

Thanks.

 

[musicman666]

Different Builders have different specs. Example; Fender measures their string height from top of fret to bottom of string on the 17th fret while fretting the 1st fret. Musicman is 12th fret I believe, while fretting 1st. It is usually 12 or 17, but always fretting 1st. Hope that helps!

 

[musicman666]

Edit: You do not fret the first, only when measuring neck relief...lol...sorry, slight beer buzz tonight!!!

 

[wilsonn]

somebody took a wrong turn in this thread. I think we're talking about double bass string height, not slab.

to the original poster, most references I've seen are at the end of the fingerboard.

 

[drurb]

Yes, string height on the DB is measured at the bridge end of the fingerboard. It's the distance from the surface of the board to the underside of the string or to the middle of the diameter of the string. If the fingerboard has a G-side solo extension, then the height would be measured at the point at which the fingerboard ends on the E-side.

 

[swervy jervy]

Far. Out. Thank you.

 

[Damon Rondeau]

drurb has indeed addressed the string height I believe you're talking about, OP, but don't forget there is also a height at the nut end to be considered. Just thought I'd point it out for someone searching this thread in the future. I believe the rule of thumb there is about a business card's thickness.