Double Bass Right Hammer to Tap Bridge Into Alignment

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Books you use to smack your bridge back into alignment - now _there_ is a talkbass thread.

We need more threads like this to make the rosin forum seem less nerdy.

 

[Steve Freides]

We need more threads like this to make the rosin forum seem less nerdy.

That reminds me - I have a question to post in the nerd, uh, rosin forum, too.

-S-

 

[GretschWretch]

Guitarists would wonder whether Steve is asking should he hammer on his bridge so it won't pull off.

 

[Steve Freides]

[groan]

Guitarists would wonder whether Steve is asking should he hammer on his bridge so it won't pull off.

[/groan]

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

That reminds me - I have a question to post in the nerd, uh, rosin forum, too.

-S-

Sample rosin forum post:

"I like Pops. Do you like Pops? It's kinda gritty in the summertime"

(cue crickets)

 

[ctxbass]

Well, Vonnegut books tend to be under an inch thick, which is what you want. Some of the Neal Stephenson tomes on my bookshelf would barely fit under the strings!

You need to find an abridged edition.

 

[Steve Freides]

-S-

 

[Ben B]

I've seen a luthier set bridges using a hammer and wood block. Strings were tensioned. I don't think you can set a bridge properly if the strings are loose because the string would likely move the bridge as you tension them. I'm not a luthier, but I've done enough wood working to know that you don't hit soft wood directly with a hammer unless you like dents. For bridge setting, I would use a wood block and a light hammer like an 8 ounce ball peen.

 

[Steve Freides]

@Ben B, yes, but I'm wondering if there is a hammer with the right density of end so that one doesn't need the block of wood - that was my original supposition.

Do I get points for using the word "supposition?"

-S-

 

[Ben B]

@Ben B, yes, but I'm wondering if there is a hammer with the right density of end so that one doesn't need the block of wood - that was my original supposition.-S-

A medium or soft density plastic face hammer would likely do it. I own one of these:

Sears.com

One of these give you more options for density:

Sears.com

The one issue I would have with using a hammer directly is that it's hard to get a good striking surface when the strings are on. A 3/8 or 1/2 inch block will fit between the A and D strings to give a better striking surface.

 

[GretschWretch]

A medium or soft density plastic face hammer would likely do it. I own one of these:

Sears.com

One of these give you more options for density:

Sears.com

The one issue I would have with using a hammer directly is that it's hard to get a good striking surface when the strings are on. A 3/8 or 1/2 inch block will fit between the A and D strings to give a better striking surface.

Agreed About the striking surface, but even a block might have too large a footprint. I would opt for a 1/2" dowel about four inches long receiving repeated light blows from a small hammer until the bridge is back to true. My first choice for a hammer would be a rawhide mallet favored by leather workers.

http://www.tumbleweedglass.com/images/ham42200.jpg

 

[eh_train]

If you live anywhere central, try this:

 

[BobKay]

I don't always smack my bridge with a book, but when I do, I use this...

Mr. Kasper - I always enjoy your posts, but this is the best yet. When you use this book, are you also drinking a Dos Equis?

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Cuba imports cigars from Don.

 

[Steve Freides]

When Don smacks his bridge, the bridge doesn't move backwards, the world moves forwards.

-S-

 

[Don Kasper]

Mr. Kasper - I always enjoy your posts, but this is the best yet. When you use this book, are you also drinking a Dos Equis?

(Stay thirsty, my Friend...)

 

[Don Kasper]

I've heard that if you "smack your bridge" too often, you'll go DEAF.
(please reply in ALL CAPS.)

 

[Steve Freides]

sorry, can't hear you ...

 

[Don Kasper]

Oboeists are always asking me for an "A"...

 

[GretschWretch]

When Don sees old ladies at street crossings, he admonishes them to see sharp lest they be flat.