Burns-bass

There must be a double bass luthier or two near you. Might be worth checking out some bass forums or Facebook? There’s a fairly vibrant orchestral science over there from what I can gather so there must be someone! As people have said, best to be present when they do a setup and you can get it right for you. It’s highly skilled but not exactly rocket science (bridge height, nut, etc.) An adjustable bridge is a good idea but you need it low enough to start with. good luck

There are two forces here: string height and tension. The higher the strings are, the more pressure (or pull) it takes to get a note. Some people prefer a low action but get it too low and the strings can rattle. String tension is another variable. I use low tension Spiros, but couldn’t cope with ultra low tension guts or gut-a-likes. This article is good discussion about string heights. https://www.bassgearmag.com/jazz-vs-classical-vs-bluegrass-set-up/#:~:text=The traditional bluegrass set-up allows for slapping%2C as well,strings at the same height. Unless you’re confident working on your bass it’s best to take it to a pro. Last set up I had, I was there when the action was set and was able to get it to a level I was happy with, and the luthier was able to advise on the quality of note and overall sound. I’m very much an amateur and I’m sure you’ll get much more in-depth and helpful replies. Where are you based?

I installed the ones I had so no money was spent.

I will need to ensure they fit into the hard case. Given I’m not buying basses or searching for them, I have the time.

Always try whatever you’re using on a small portion of the finish before adding more!!! (I say this as a person who used Pledge once to clean the Nitro body of a 1965 jazz bass. Don’t be me.)

I've seen about three "Option 2" repairs (and owned one of them). If the purpose of this is to save a vauable instrument, it's a bad idea. If it's going to save it from being scrapped, it's worth it. I reckon if you cleaned of the PVA from both the neck and inside the cavity, it would (with a little gentle persuasion) slot straight in there. Guess you have to be careful about the height and the angle, but assume you'll be cutting a new bridge in any case. This demands a comprehensive photo diary!

Nah, I'm a latecomer to the straplock thing. I never used them, then iI bought a set last year for a guitar as it kept slipping off. Aha. Brainwave. I'll take the ones off the guitar and swap them over. I'm still in... (the bass in question is my pink jazz bass that I bought in 2020, have the forum posts to back it up!)

Fair point. I hate straplocks as they’re clumsy and ugly but effective (like me). Personally I’d class then as an essential purchase as their absence could impact my ability to play properly.

What about straplocks?

Someone in Bristol actually used an old DB as a makeshift canoe during the Harbour Fesitval.

“I have no idea of the value so I’m going to look online at a dealer and price it at £1000 more than they would charge…” God bless the Great British private seller.

Yes, this all makes sense. I also really value the time you’ve taken to spell this out as it’s not something that I’d considered in this level of detail. Some years ago I read a great book called “the paradox of choice” about this. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paradox_of_Choice) I guess new music also has to directly compete with music from heritage acts (endless reissues etc). Lot to think about!

I didn’t know there were caveats to this! I’m still in but I did buy a replacement switch tip for a guitar.

I’m 100% with you. I was actually responding to RedX who said he wanted old man indie bands and middle aged rockers to get out of the way. I felt that wasn’t fair.

The Bass Bros website was down for 24-48 hours over the weekend. This would have disrupted emails and could explain why they’ve been missed or ignored. If it was an intermittent issue then it could have been affecting their emails for a while. Ive had contact form issues before and there’s no way to test for it in some cases.

I fear it was my post that brought property values into it (and for that I apologise). The broader point I was making was that we need to create the social conditions where creativity (in music, art, acting, etc) can be enjoyed by everyone. The alternative is that culture becomes the preserve of the upper classes. Evidence is everywhere. Most of our actors are upper class privately educated, as are our musicians, writers and journalists. As a society we should invest in and support arts at every level. I bang on about working with old people, but seeing how music can transform people is incredible - and we should all be able to enjoy that.

Nah. It was a young guy who didn’t play anymore. Happy to share details with anyone who wants it.

I’d politely ask who decides what’s good music and who decides what’s derivative rubbish that should be avoided? All individual artistic expression should be encouraged, even if you don’t like the output. The music you make I simply have no feeling for, but I’d damn near fight anyone for your right to make it and share it. Why deny that to someone else?

It’s a half hour drive and I’m not sure I can be bothered. Still tempted but it’s something I won’t use, so better let someone else have it.

I found a Squier Dimension bass nearby for £85. They’re quite rare and it looked great. But I resisted, as I don’t need it. Instead, I set up my existing bass and realised it does precisely the job I need it to do.

I nearly broke today - but I didn’t!