Bridge Adjusters for Double Bass from The Contrabass Shoppe

Tell me exactly what bridge adjusters do?

Bridge adjusters are a simple yet ingenious device that raise or lower one's strings in order to facilitate a more desirable playing action. In countries where the seasonal variation in atmospheric conditions are great enough to create a height movement in the table of an instrument - bridge adjuster are obligatory. In countries of a temperate climate players have traditionally used "fixed-leg" bridges. Now however, the versatility of using a bridge with an almost infinite variation in its height settings is becoming much more apparent. Jazz players who convert to their use are able to set their string action spot-on to their favourite height, while in a matter of seconds orchestral players are able to change from an action suitable for the playing of Brahms or Beethoven symphonies to one much more suited to say the playing of chamber music or solo work.

Do the adjusters cause any loss or change to the sound of my instrument?

In a word - No. Although this is somewhat surprising, tests have been done that suggest that the aluminium adjusters in particular, transmit the vibrations from the string in a very similar manner to that of a good quality bridge. Just ask any player who has had them fitted - they all rave about them.

I'm still a little worried about sound loss. I need more convincing?

Really - there are many, many more important aspects of your instrument's set up and construction that need to be considered and evaluated before you even remotely start to think about what you have heard or read on a bass forum somewhere.

What sort of aspects for instance?

Well for instance - have you ever considered the shape, position or length of your instrument's bass bar? No - I didn't think so. The bass bar's function is to support the instrument's front and transmit the sound of your strings along the front. It really is quite fundamental to how an instrument responds.

Are there any other things to consider?

Yes - you really could start questioning every aspect of your instrument's construction and set up from the position and fit of the soundpost to the angle that the neck is set at.

OK - I get the picture. What about fitting?

A general "guide" to fitting is included with the adjusters. The job does involve a number of precise operations - so if your DIY skills are not the very best - it is advisable to have them fitted by an experienced luthier or repair person. Here is a brief overview of the fitting procedure:

a) Set bridge up in a drilling jig.
b) Drill hole of appropriate width and depth through each foot of the bridge.
c) Saw feet of bridge off at appropriate height.
d) Make adjustments to bridge height as necessary.
e) Insert a steel-retaining pin into each foot of the bridge at the necessary height.
f) Insert smooth end of adjusters into foot end of bridge, assemble and set up as required.

How long does fitting take?

Fitting time takes about an hour for somebody that knows what they are doing.

Can all bridges be fitted with the adjusters?

No. When fitting the adjusters a hole is drilled through each of the legs - so it is essential that that the legs of the bridge are fairly straight.

Summary:

Bridge Adjusters really are an essential aid to today's player - they just make every sort of playing so much easier.

What sort of bridge adjusters do you stock?

The Contrabass Shoppe Ltd - has three different designs of bridge adjusters available. They are made from aluminium, brass and wood. The wooden adjusters are available in either boxwood or ebony.

Aluminium Bridge Adjuster	Brass Bridge Adjuster	Wooden Bridge Adjusters