No matter how it is considered—double bass, contrabass, upright bass, standup bass, bass fiddle, or acoustic bass—the elements of sound are the same. Sound is vibration, and the better an instrument vibrates, the better it sounds. A musician can enhance the instrument’s tone by carefully choosing strings as well as making tweaks to the bridge, sound post, and tail piece.
Strings on the Upright Bass
When looking for strings, a musician generally must decide if the instrument will be predominantly plucked or bowed. Plucked strings (pizzicato) are easier on the fingers and are designed to let big, fat bass notes waft away from the instrument with a touch.
D’Addario’s Helicore strings do a nice job for the price. Bowed strings (arco) are made to grip the bow for optimum vibrating. While it may seem shocking to fiddlers and guitarists, bass players should plan on spending a little over a $100 to get a decent set of strings. The old rule applies: musicians get what they pay for.
Bridges on the Upright Bass
The bridge is usually one of the first items that needs adjusting on a new instrument. It is not secured to the bass; the strings hold it in place. It is not uncommon for a bridge to be bumped out of alignment. To correct this, loosen the strings and center the bridge between the inner notches on the f holes. Be sure the bridge is also in line with the finger board.
If the strings are difficult to finger, it is because the bridge is too high. A luthier can adjust this for the beginning musician. Those with some experience can try putting a piece of sandpaper (sand side up) on the front of the bass and rub the foot of the bridge over it. This will contour the bridge to the bass's body. Although it is tedious, string the bass back up after a few passes and test it out. It’s also good to test it for a day or two in between sandings to prevent over sanding.
If a string buzzes, it is because the bridge is too low. The best fix is to buy a new bridge and start over. Some musicians try to insert hardwood pieces between the bass and the bridge, but any gaps that are created in this process will reduce the amount of vibrations from the strings getting to the body.
For a few extra dollars, adjustable bridges that use thumb screws can replace the standard stock bridge.
Upright Bass Sound Post
The sound post is one of the main vehicles for vibrations spreading throughout the bass body. It is located inside the bass, under the bridge. As with the bridge, the sound post is not secured, but rather wedged between the front and the back of the bass. The tension from the strings squeezes the body a little, which holds the sound post in place.
It is not uncommon for a sound post to fall over when strings are being replaced or when the bass is being moved from one gig to another. An experienced bassist will have a special-yet-inexpensive tool called a sound post setter on hand for just such an occasion. Two grilling forks can also be used to capture and reset a loosened sound post.
Some bassists like to experiment with the location of the sound post, but in general it should stay centered directly beneath the bridge or within two inches of it.
Tailpiece on the Upright Bass
The tailpiece also plays a role in the dispersing of vibrations. A heavy tailpiece, such as ebony, will give a darker, dampened tone. Lighter tailpieces such as maple give a louder and brighter tone. It’s not a night and day difference, but it does play a role in the way a bassist chooses to set up the instrument.
With a little time and not much money, a musician can customize a bass to personal preferences and styles of music.
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