Double Bass The right tool (and technique) for straightening my bridge

[Steve Freides]

I have, in the past, taken my bass to the luthier when the bridge looked like it was leaning funny or was twisted.

I recently experimented with tuning my low E string down to C. I didn't especially like it and ended up renting a bass with an extension for a week but, now that I tuned my low C back to E again, my bridge looks like it's been through a hurricane.

I'd appreciate recommendations - a web link would be perfect - for the right kind of hammer/mallet to use to straighten my bridge, and also any instructions like loosening some/all the strings a little or a lot before doing this.

Many thanks in advance.

-S-

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Photo, please?

 

[JoeyNaeger]

Any small hammer will work fine. I keep a small block of wood that will fit between the strings handy for tapping a bridge back upright.

 

[drurb]

Perhaps this will help:

 

[ctxbass]

Mike Shank of Shankstrings.com explains how to re-adjust a upright bass bridge after it has moved

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I use my fingers. With the bass on the bench (table, bed, hood of the car) I put my chest against the saddle and roll the bridge top back towards me.

Don't pull too far!

 

[Fred Emens]

I like to use the technique of grasping the A string and then using gentle thumb pressure to push the bridge upright. Here are couple of video links that show how it's done. No tools required and it seems to give a more control.

 

[drurb]

I prefer the method of stabilizing the feet with one hand (as in the first two videos).

 

[Steve Freides]

Thank you all for the good information. I have been swamped, haven't taken a picture, and haven't followed anyone's links, and I'm headed out of town for a few days. But I will make time for this next week and would really like to make this an operation I can perform myself when needed.

-S-