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Length of a 3/4 double-bass string?

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 5:14 pm
by Søren
I have a question about my double-bass

Last night I was unfortunate and moved the bridge on my double-bass a little. And now it is out of tune. Does anyone here know what the standard length of a string on a ¾ size double-bass should be?

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 5:59 pm
by MartyNeilan
Having played an upright bass for a few years (or tried to) I would knock the bridge out a little every once in a while. :?
Usually, if you look close enough at the surface of the bass, you can see marks in the lacquer where the bridge sat. Many people align the bridge with the nicks in the F holes, and then set the side to side alignment by looking at the string placement on the fingerboard. It shouldn't be too difficult to setup - don't fret ;)

Here......

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:20 pm
by Tom Mason
If your bass is indeed a 3/4, (most usually are); and all things are set right, oyu should be in the neighborhood of 41 1/2 to 42 inches from nut to bridge.

It is very important to have your bridge in the right place, according to the positioning of the bridge to the F holes, and your soundpost. (the above mentioned links are good, as well as Gollihur.com

Tom Mason

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:10 am
by Søren
Thanks guys.

My bridge is now in the right place again, and the soundpost has not moved.
The funny thing is that it was not my bass that was badly out of tune after I bumped the bridge out of place. It was the old piano I was tuning my bass to. :roll: