Double Bass String length Reduction

[bassmeatball]

Have a modern bass with a mensure of 42 and 1/8". I'm no longer a professional player and want to reduce the string length to 41 to give my hands a break. Has anyone had any experience (positive or negative) with installing a 1/2" false nut and moving the bridge up 1/2"?

I am located in Toronto and want someone that can do an excellent job.

Thanks.

 

[Don Kasper]

Have a modern bass with a mensure of 42 and 1/8". I'm no longer a professional player and want to reduce the string length to 41 to give my hands a break. Has anyone had any experience (positive or negative) with installing a 1/2" false nut and moving the bridge up 1/2"?

I am located in Toronto and want someone that can do an excellent job.

Thanks.

FYI - the difference (between a 42.125" and 41.00" mensure (at the span from low F - G, for example, in Half Position) is (only) 0.116" or slightly less than 1/8in. Is this a significant enough reduction? (It may be...)
I'm not sure that the bridge should be moved out of its optimal position, but maybe some of the Pro Luthiers around here will clarify.
Thanks.

 

[Matthew Tucker]

That is probably the least invasive, least costly yet reversible way to approach it so I don't think you've much to lose. You will want to ensure that your D or E stop remains where it is - and moving both ends helps this - and move your soundpost with the bridge, and also hopefully ensure that the bridge feet fit well so the varnish isn't damaged in the new position.

I find most basses can tolerate a little repositioning of the bridge quite well, provided you adjust the soundpost well. Moving everything north will raise your string heights a little also, so you may need to compensate for this.

Paul "eh_train" is in Toronto and could probably do this for you.

Standup Guy Upright Basses | Bass Repairs and Sales | Toronto | Canada

 

[downunder]

I have had the string length reduced on several basses that I own and owned. It has never been a bad thing in my experience. As mentioned above, move the bridge and the nut towards each other to try to keep your D neck or whatever. I've had DAVID GAGE in New York do this for me.