Double Bass Questions

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Gordon Gary

Ken, I was wrong about the spacing. It is 1 & 1/8.
The spacing from the strings to the fingerboard about 1/2 inch.
The fingerboard to the front of the bass is 3 & 1/2 inches.
I've had the bass for a number of years and decided to really learn how to play it. My major interest is Jazz. I've been using the Simandls Book.

I am not sure exactly how you are measuring these points. Where in PA are you located? Is the 1/18" in the measurement 'between' the edges of the strings or measured from the center (splitting each sting in half) of one sting to the center of the other? Are they evenly spaced?

You say 1/2" height off the Fingerboard? On all 4 strings? Are you related to Hulk Hogan?

The Fingerboard off the body measurement is not relevant because or the Archs of the Tops that vary bass to bass. The Height of the Bridge is way more relevant, how high the center of the bridge is off the Top with maybe a 1/4" string height under the end of the fingerboard on the G and a 3/8" under the E.

For me, measureing in inches (I usually use MMs for string heights), my Martini strung with Flexocors is 3/16" under the G and 5/16" under the E and I can dig in playing in the Orchestra or play jazz with the same set-up, same strings. My Gilkes has Evah Pirrazzi's on it now and although they may require more height to work, the fingerboard on this Bass has more camber in it (more curve, scoup). Also, the Gilkes is just barely a 41" string length and the Martini is a proud 41.5". I find that the shorter length necks are often tighter, tension-wise. The scoup/camber of the fingerboard can make it feel more or less in either direction with more scoup making it feel tighter or maybe harder to press down.

With having a gazillion note to play in a Beethovan concert, the lower action helps to pull it off with less effort. Having a loud and powerful bass also lessens the pain by being able to play easier and still be heard.