Author Archives: Pete McLachlan

DIY Double Bass Care

DIY Double Bass Care – Avoid String and Bridge Damage

Lubricating your strings with some graphite will help you get rich and play better???

Get rich? Well not exactly but it will save you destroying strings and warping your bridge which are expensive purchases.

Everyone has seen bridges that are bent and strings that are unwinding where they pass over the bridge. These things can be avoided easily by loosening each string one at a time and with a HB pencil blacken the slot where the string runs through the bridge and at the end of the finger board, the nut. Make sure the string passes through the slot easily before retuning. If the string catches or is tight then the slot will need filing. Never take all the strings off at once as this can cause the sound post to fall over.

Every day the strings exert pressure on the bridge pulling it one way or another. Sometimes it is you tuning the bass and other times it is the weather causing the bass to expand and contract. This generally pulls the bridge forward towards the player and if the tension is not released it will warp the bridge. Once the strings are lubricated you will be able to push gently but firmly on the top of the bridge and release the tension. (Ask someone who knows if you are unsure how to do this)This will help your bass vibrate easier and save you money. However if your bridge is already bent it’s too late. Go and see your local luthier.

Product review: Portable instrument stands

Product review: Having your double bass or cello set up and within grasp greatly increases the chance that you will pick it up and play. However, most people don’t want their precious instrument lying around on the floor. Nor do they want to set it up and put it back in its case every time they play. This can be a deterrent, not to mention a waste of time. So, today we are going to run through some of the stands we like to use. The most important thing to consider when choosing a stand is recognising what best suits your lifestyle. This range caters for all types.

Product review

First off is the Black Steel stand. Appropriate for both double bass and cello, this is a heavy duty stand that easily folds down into a neat compact bundle for transportation. It is excellent for the Rabbath style endpin as the angle provides stability. However,  for straight endpins, the cup can be a little tricky to find. The arms do not grip the bass, so if you have pets or young children running around you may want to look at something a bit more secure. But if you are after convenience, this is our favourite stand for easy access.

Product review

Second is the Black Tubular stand. This stand has a cup at the bottom like the Black Steel and Christopher, however it only works for cellos making it inappropriate for the angled endpins. However, the grip of the arms give a much sturdier platform for those using straight endpins. Similar to the Black Steel, it also folds up, though not quite as easily. Overall, this is probably the best choice for straight endpin players, due to the ease of access and increased stability.

Product review

Third is the Christopher stand. This is the best option for stability with an angled endpin. The arms are adjustable and push down to firmly grip the bass so there is no chance of it being knocked out. Similar to the Black Steel, it is light, compact, and folds down well. But again, the cup can be tricky for those using a straight endpin.

Product review

Last we have the Box Stand. This is by far the most sturdy but also the least convenient as the endpin needs to be taken out/put in each time you use your bass. Great for display though!
So, at a quick glance. The most convenient for angled endpins is the Black Steel. The best for straight endpins is the Black Tubular. The most stable for bent endpins is the Christopher. And the best for display is the Box Stand.
For pricing and more pictures click here. Alternatively, give us a call on 8278 2016 or arrange a time to come and try them out for yourself.