Double Bass Transportation Query

[Brad Taylor]

As I was setting up my bass in a van on it's side, I was told I should put in on it's back with the bridge in the air. Is transporting the bass on its side damaging? Does it make a difference?

Thanks

 

[Brennan]

I put it on it's side (with the amp on the back side keeping it from moving). The only thing is to not have anything potentially leaning on the bridge. The reason I dont put it on its back is because the angle of the neck would have the weight on the neck on a flat surface.

 

[Brad Taylor]

yeah, it's securely fastened and, if on the side, the bridge is safe.

 

[Jazzman]

I believe the concern is that the bumps/vibrations could allow the soundpost and maybe the bridge to creep out of position? That is my best guess at what they were referring to.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Seeing as how there is upwards of 325 lbs of tension on the bridge, I wouldn't worry about road vibration moving it around!
I always prefer to transport basses on their sides. It seems to make more sense to align the more vulnerable top and back plates with the direction of least bumping.

Jake

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

I've seen several situations where bass owners have a busted scroll and no idea of how it happened. Almost without fail, it turns out they were driving it around in the car on its back, with pressure on the scroll. All it takes is hitting a nasty pothole in the road, and that thing is toast! There's a lot of pressure on that scroll. I always advise putting something under the button area or the middle of the neck to prop the bass up off its scroll. otherwise, transport on its side, wedging it gently in position with something soft.