Cornfedapache Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 What are the differences in sound between the coils that move the string-holder thingies (names? You'd never guess I'm mainly self taught, would you?) up and down and the screws on the back of the bridge that move them forwards and backwards? Is one to do with resonance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOD2 Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 If you're talking about what I think you're talking about.... these bits are called "bridge pieces" or sometimes "bridgs saddles". The up/down movement is adjusted by screws is the bridge pieces (one either side of the string) and this is use to adjust the "action", which is the height between the bottom of a string and the top of a fret. Lower action means easier to play but too low means the strings rattle off the frets. The screws at thec back of the bridge - one for each bridge piece - move the bridge piece back and forwards and are used to adjust the "intonation". This makes sure that each string plays the correct note at each fret on the fretboard. Slight different string lengths are needed to allow for this (due to the different thickness of each string) and moving a bridge piece back or forward will change the effective length of that string. Does this help ? Neither of these adjustments change the actual sound of the string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxrossell Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 [quote name='Cornfedapache' post='478433' date='May 3 2009, 07:07 PM']What are the differences in sound between the coils that move the string-holder thingies (names? You'd never guess I'm mainly self taught, would you?) up and down and the screws on the back of the bridge that move them forwards and backwards? Is one to do with resonance?[/quote] Basically, the screws on the back of the bridge that move the saddles (string holders) across the bridge are used to adjust intonation (to make sure that the string is in tune over the whole length of the neck). The screws that raise and lower the saddles are mainly there for string height adjustment, although they can also affect intonation to a small degree as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornfedapache Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Ah-ha! Cheers What's best - or does it depend on the string? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 [quote name='Cornfedapache' post='478462' date='May 3 2009, 07:36 PM']What's best - or does it depend on the string?[/quote] The "best" string height is a matter of personal taste, really. Some people like to jack the strings up quite high to get a very clear tone, some people like to hear more fret rattle than note. Most people prefer somewhere inbetween, where fret rattle can't really be heard when the bass is amplified but the strings are nice and low and easy to play. As for the intonation adjustment: It's either correct or it isn't. If the open strings are in tune but notes higher up the neck on certain strings sound out of tune, then your intonation is probably not set correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxrossell Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 [quote name='Cornfedapache' post='478462' date='May 3 2009, 07:36 PM']Ah-ha! Cheers What's best - or does it depend on the string?[/quote] You mean the best setting? That's entirely down to a case-by-case thing, but there are some really helpful guides knocking about that will show you how to set up string height and intonation, I think there might even be a few videos on youtube showing how to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornfedapache Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Nice one - thanks! I figured that there would be... Normally just spend ages faffing about to see what sounds/feels good... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 You may want to have a trawl through this thread from Talkbass [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499506"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499506[/url] ... and the Basschat Wiki - it's full of helpful stuff. You'll find the link up at the top right of these pages, close to the search thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TenLetters Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Well, whats best for intonation is just when the string is in tune for its whole length, so really there is not opinion on it, its either in tune or not. Try putting intonation into google and there will be pages that explain it far better that i can. As a rule people tend to love really low action as its 'easier' to play (you need less pressure to fret a note), you will see countless adverts on a certain auction site that talk about low action. However, this bit is more down to personal tatse and how good (not expensive) your instrument is. As stated above generally the lower the action the more likely you are to get fretbuzz, in my experienence its easier to get a lower action without fretbuzz with a 'better' instrument. This of course all depends on general set up, conditions of frets, neck bow and how good the person doing the set up is........welcome to the wonderfull world of bass and trying to find what suits you best. Ultimately, if you are/become a decent player then you can work with almost anything. Posting after mates 30th at pub so hope that does not confuse things further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cytania Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Nothing's best but the most modern bridges are a big improvement on Fender's original turn over a bit of mild steel and attach 3 brass barrels on screws affair. Having said that the light fender bridge is a crucial part of their original sound. Other key thing is through the body or through the bridge end. Some basses give you a choice of sound but it's not vital. When setting intonation be sure to fret the strings with the same touch you'd use while playing. Clamping down can really affect pitch, so can being mister light-touch when setting up when you're actual material is going to be mister hammer-down. Make sure you strings are played in before setting intonation and set aside plenty of time/cups of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Higher action is better for sound, you can hit harder, so you get more range of sounds, without rattle, but it will tire your fingers. High action is awesome, low is for guitards. I think people obsess over getting the action low far too much on basses, no-one wants you playing diddly 64th notes. Intonation isn't a huge deal if you aren't chording or playing dead high, and its easy to do with a tuner. What does make a difference is if the bit the string sits on can wiggle about, its going to do you no favours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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