I've seen suggestions for putting weights on top of the bass to prevent the sound post from falling when the bridge is removed. Any suggestions for how much weight is typically needed?
Neil
Neil
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass Weighting for bridge removal
- Thread starter neilG
- Start date
Never tried that. I've got a bridge jack that I put in place if I want to remove the bridge. It keeps the stringa tight and presses against the top.
Can't remember where I got it. Maybe Lemur?
Can't remember where I got it. Maybe Lemur?
Just lay the bass down on the G side. That will leave nowhere for the post to fall to.
How about laying the bass on its back and laying a small pillow or someting under the back where the soundpost is, using the bass itself as the weight? Just a thought I had. Probably easier on a flatback though.
Jake deVilliers
Commercial User
- May 24, 2006
- 6,349
- 607
- Disclosures
- Owner of The Bass Spa, String Repairman at Long & McQuade Vancouver
You're assuming that the post is well-fitted. If it isn't, it will drop or swing on the high points at the ends and end up not only out of position but in such a way that it can and will crack the top or back.
And I can't imagine the chore of assembling an adjustable bridge, standing it up, getting the strings onto it and the tailwire lined up correctly over the grooves in the saddle (Whew!) with gravity pulling everything off to the side...
No assumption at all. The post in my flatback is quite loose, and didn't move when I took the bridge off of it over the summer. Putting everything back together with the bass on its' side is a PITA but once you get some tension on the G string it's generally safe IMO to move the bass and get everything lined up straight.
Fitting a bridge to a bass laying on its' side is a Jedi move.
Fitting a bridge to a bass laying on its' side is a Jedi move.
Jake deVilliers
Commercial User
- May 24, 2006
- 6,349
- 607
- Disclosures
- Owner of The Bass Spa, String Repairman at Long & McQuade Vancouver
There is quite a lot of pressure exerted on the top by the bridge so take some of those encyclopedia volumes that are collecting dust on the shelf and place them on either side of the bridge. Although if it does fall down, that means it's too short anyway and the top is forced to bend when the string tension is up. Get a new sound post if that happens.
Also, if you don't have a proper luthier workbench, lay it on the kitchen table and place books, etc around the edges to make the back flat and the sound post is vertical. The height will make working on it easier and safer.
Also, if you don't have a proper luthier workbench, lay it on the kitchen table and place books, etc around the edges to make the back flat and the sound post is vertical. The height will make working on it easier and safer.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
Get a small mechanic's mirror and light so you can see the post. Both should cost under $10 at any hardware store. A post that is properly fit shouldn't move but I always inspect things after any work just to be sure.
