Bridge Adjustment on New Bass

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Ken's advice was anything BUT solid! To do the tweaks he mentions, you will need several tools. Here is a list, along with the dangers of each:

Files: These can give you an abrasion. The point can inflict a small puncture. Gig missed.

Chisels: These are really sharp. They can take your finger tip off, or slice a callous. Gig Missed.

Rulers: These are made of heavy metal. Touching them can mess up your body's delicate balance, as heavy metals are absorbed right through the skin. Also, you can strain your eyes trying to read the itsy-bitsy numbers. Gig Missed.

Knives: These are the most dangerous of all. They can cut, puncture, even kill you. Gig Missed.

And another thing: Wood dust is a known carcinogen. Just a few whiffs and you could need chemo. Gig Missed, career trashed.

So, forget what Ken said. If he wants to risk his career and life messing around with this stuff, let him. But you should let your luthier take all the risks. Oh, excuse me now, the ambulance is here for me.

Arnold, what did I say?

I was only referring to the final Bridge and maybe some Nut tweaking? Mad at me? Sounds like your Nuts need a little tweak themselves there..

BTW, on the Electric Basses we make I tweak Bridges and Nuts (and make them) every day. Wood is so much easier and more fun to work with than Brass.

To be more clear about what I was trying to tell Calvin, a person should know himself what he wants and needs in a set-up so that he can TELL his Luthier what to fix or change based on playing the bass and giving his feedback about what doesn't feel right.

Not actually do it himself. Well, you know, personal Nut tweaking aside..

I wonder if the Ambulance brought your favorite Jacket? You know that white one that takes another person to tie it in the back for you..

It's for reasons like this mainly that over the years I had to learn to do my own Tweaking..

Calvin, next question please..