Double Bass String height for solo tuning/playing

[Calvin Marks]

How high should the strings typically be? I try and go for as low as possible until I hear buzzing - maybe that gets me to 3mm under the high string. Looks like Edgar Meyer and Perry Iugu pretty much have them touching the fingerboard. Any ideas?

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

This has been discussed before.
- It starts with the fingerboard. Lower string heights require a flatter (less scoop) fingerboard. Why? Taken to the extreme with a lot of scoop, at some point, low strings will rattle against the end of the board when playing higher up the board.
- Higher string heights are more forgiving of high spots in the board.

I’ve set basses up as low as 1.5mm G and 4mm E but that is ridiculous. Typically, 5-6G and 8-9E but different strokes.

 

[Nebadon2000]

My Bass is set up [0 buzz hitting medium hard] at 2mm E string [12th or 17th fret] and 1.5mm at G string. With .08 relief.
I consider this medium low. In inches its 5/64 and 4/64.

Low would be 4/64 and 3/64 I have gone that low but don't like change in tone also have to hit softer or B on up to F[pitch] on E string will rattle some

Many here work it even lower

 

[Calvin Marks]

This has been discussed before.
- It starts with the fingerboard. Lower string heights require a flatter (less scoop) fingerboard. Why? Taken to the extreme with a lot of scoop, at some point, low strings will rattle against the end of the board when playing higher up the board.
- Higher string heights are more forgiving of high spots in the board.

I’ve set basses up as low as 1.5mm G and 4mm E but that is ridiculous. Typically, 5-6G and 8-9E but different strokes.

Nice! For orchestra I like 4-4.5mm or so but for solo I like 3mm

 

[Caro]

Giuseppe Ettore gave a presentation about set up at George and Thomas Martin's shop. He said 6 6.5 7 8 for orchestra. Around 4.5 g to 6.5-7 e string.

 

[Calvin Marks]

Giuseppe Ettore gave a presentation about set up at George and Thomas Martin's shop. He said 6 6.5 7 8 for orchestra. Around 4.5 g to 6.5-7 e string.

I've never seen string to string increments of less than 1mm - very interesting.

 

[robert_stuart]

Is it standard to measure height under the octave harmonic point?

 

[stefaniw80401]

Is it standard to measure height under the octave harmonic point?

That would make sense, but it's more common to measure clearance at the end of the FB.