Bridge adjusters and sound for Arco

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Ruben E garcia

For what I know, that is not a lot J or I may say for what I have read, solid aluminum adjusters made from one piece of metal are the overall best adjusters to have install in your bass…

And why is that?

I prefer turning with some kind of grip on then rather than the sharp gnarled metal tearing up my fingers. The Walnut modified adjusters from the Shen guys (Paul S.) are my favorite overall. Next are the black Ebony/Plastic? ones that several Luthiers here use. I forget what they are called but Arnold uses them.

The smaller Aluminum or even brass wheeled ones are just to hard to turn most of the times.

[Anselm Hauke]

i like these: http://www.moser-klangwerkstatt.com/...produkt1.shtml

[davidseidel]

I've always wondered about these - can you give some idea how good they are? Or what experience you have had with them? Thanks!

[Anselm Hauke]

i have the mosers on my main bass, the titanium version, and have also one in aluminium with an integrated full circle.

i like that you can adjust the feet seperatly. i like to experiment a lot with strings, incl. mixing different G/D and A/E (for example plain gut/spiro or oliv/evah). the independence of the bridge feet allow me to lift the G/D and lower the E/A.

plus: they are absolutely easy to turn under full pressure. they are made very precise, like a swiss watch movement

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

And why is that?

I prefer turning with some kind of grip on then rather than the sharp gnarled metal tearing up my fingers. The Walnut modified adjusters from the Shen guys (Paul S.) are my favorite overall. Next are the black Ebony/Plastic? ones that several Luthiers here use. I forget what they are called but Arnold uses them.

The smaller Aluminum or even brass wheeled ones are just to hard to turn most of the times.

Well I shouldn't say that... I should say it like this: "base on the bible of bass repairs for those who don't have a mentor, Chuck Traeger" "he said that he only use one piece aluminum adjuster of 1/4" because they vibrate more easily, even 3/8" wooden ones are to wide to vibrate as well as 1/4" ones, and Steel and brass are so heavy as to act like a mute on the bridge" of course you have a different take on it, but I was saying about sound only... now you tell me

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Ruben E garcia

Well I shouldn't say that... I should say it like this: "base on the bible of bass repairs for those who don't have a mentor, Chuck Traeger" "he said that he only use one piece aluminum adjuster of 1/4" because they vibrate more easily, even 3/8" wooden ones are to wide to vibrate as well as 1/4" ones, and Steel and brass are so heavy as to act like a mute on the bridge" of course you have a different take on it, but I was saying about sound only... now you tell me

Bass Bible? No, just the only current book available in that depth but some of what he would do would never be allowed on my basses.

He is not MY mentor now or in the future, ever. Just a guy that found time to write a book.

It's best that you and others know this difference.

So on a bass 6 feet tall, 1/4=2/8 is better than 3/8 to vibrate? So 1/8" difference is better on a 6ft tall bass over 2 feet wide and deep as 3 cellos. 1/8th inch?

Maybe I can sell you a bridge if you believe that! The Brooklyn Bridge maybe? Interested? I'll let you pay it off monthly..

[Adrian Levi]

[quote=Ken Smith;21910
Maybe I can sell you a bridge if you believe that! The Brooklyn Bridge maybe? Interested? I'll let you pay it off monthly..[/QUOTE]

Ruben , don't listen to Ken there is NO way that a bridge of that size would work on any bass that I know of ,not to mention transport costs a custom made case etc etc.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Did you know the Brooklyn Bridge sits on White Pine caissons that were dug by hand into the mud under the East River, and that several men died of Caisson Disease because of all the time they spent under pressurized conditions? Caisson Disease is commonly called "The Bends". Just thought you folks might enjoy a tidbit of useless but interesting info. How long will those chunks of pine resist rot?

Speaking of chunks of pine, I've had experience with just about every type of bass bridge adjuster. I agree with Traeger in that 1/4 x 20 single-piece are my favorite. However, I am leary of any person who deems himself a "Master Luthier", and I'm leary of untested claims about what vibrates and what doesn't. Besides, would you want the adjuster to vibrate, or would you just want it to pass the vibrations through? Ooh, cue the Theramin...

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Did you know the Brooklyn Bridge sits on White Pine caissons that were dug by hand into the mud under the East River, and that several men died of Caisson Disease because of all the time they spent under pressurized conditions? Caisson Disease is commonly called "The Bends". Just thought you folks might enjoy a tidbit of useless but interesting info. How long will those chunks of pine resist rot?

Speaking of chunks of pine, I've had experience with just about every type of bass bridge adjuster. I agree with Traeger in that 1/4 x 20 single-piece are my favorite. However, I am leary of any person who deems himself a "Master Luthier", and I'm leary of untested claims about what vibrates and what doesn't. Besides, would you want the adjuster to vibrate, or would you just want it to pass the vibrations through? Ooh, cue the Theramin...

Hi Arnold so you prefer ¼”x20 Aluminum Adjusters…? Can you tell us why they work best for you?

My first idea would be, “that the most efficient way to transfer vibrations from the top of the bridge to the bridge foots is not actually use the same material (Maple)” and that won’t change that much the sound of the bass… but that’s not it… I wonder why?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Ruben E garcia

Hi Arnold so you prefer ¼”x20 Aluminum Adjusters…? Can you tell us why they work best for you?

My first idea would be, “that the most efficient way to transfer vibrations from the top of the bridge to the bridge foots is not actually use the same material (Maple)” and that won’t change that much the sound of the bass… but that’s not it… I wonder why?

I don't have a theory, just practical experience. I like the light weight, ease of installing and adjusting, and the sound. Also, there is no joint in the adjuster to come apart. I prefer the adjusters made by old friend Mike Pecanic, which I buy in black.

Wayne, read my last post over. Concentrate on the context. And don't worry, urine is sterile, won't hurt you a bit...

[Ruben E garcia]

Originally Posted by wayne holmes

great story Arnold-got any more that we might "enjoy"

I don't know who you are referring to when you say "master luthier" - is it Chuck or are you referring to me- if you are referring to my comment I made the other day, then you take me way too seriously-

If there is one thing I take pride in it's my honestly about my work. Anyone who knows me well would know that I am kidding when I call myself a master luthier. I would hope that I would never join the arrogant in our luthier community. I once opened up a bass that Bob Swanson "built". Written on the upper part of the top block were the words: "built by the master"-signed Bob Swanson. I thought it was funny and maybe Bob was poking fun at himself, and as we all know, who have seen his hand, rightly so.

My hat is off to Chuck Thraeger(is he dead or alive?) or anyone who has written a book over 100 pages long. Those of us who have tried it(and in my effort, failed) know what a job it is to write a book and to get it published.

I agree that we should disagree with some of Chucks teachings and wonder why he left out some repairs altogether, but until I write a book that is better, I will respect his effort and show appreciation for his help when no one else was around.

A truly great artisan is not threatened by others and has the wisdom to know that by helping others they help themselves. Suggesting caution of another and trying to turn kidding into truth shows insecurity. I say some need to lighten up. We, who have the gift of passion for the double bass should be happy and thankful and enjoy the passion and each other, rather than to be so negative, threatened, and just downright discouraging. I love you man, but sometimes you pee in my coffee.

London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down


wholmesbassviol@yahoo.com
www.holmesbassviol.com
bassist, luthier

I dont think I want to drink coffee for the rest of the week now
Think he was talking about Chuck...... Peace and love...

[Nathan Parker]

Does anyone know when this study was conducted? It stated that most folks from the U.S. had adjusters and most folks from Europe didn't. I wonder if this still holds true today.

At any rate, an interesting thread. I guess what fascinates me is how most people seem to have a strong opinion about adjusters. Its like the carrot cake of the bass world. You love it or you hate it.