Three Essentials of Double Bass Setup with Neal Heppleston

In this video we meet Leeds-based luthier, Neal Heppleston to discuss the perfect double bass setup. He takes us through three essential elements of double bass setup to help you learn how to optimise your instrument. We look at bridge positioning, soundpost positioning and string height with detailed demonstration, using my bass as a model. If you are looking to learn more about bass setup, or are interested in the process of double bass making, this video is a must-watch!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:58 Bridge Positioning
05:23 Soundpost Positioning
09:29 String height
Be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes photos and a full list of links to people and topics discussed in this video at discoverdoublebass.com/interv...
Check out Neal's website and learn about his wonderful hand-crafted instruments here: hepplestondoublebasses.co.uk/
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[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

So, what are your top tips to make your bass more playable? 🤔For me, getting the nut height correct is huge and often overlooked.

[@honeybee4316]

Finally a useful bass set up video. Thank you for this!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks so much :-)

cool tips thanks! The only thing missing was to talk about the tailpiece but that's ok. Thanks!

[@dreamingpanthers1847]

Wonderful, clear walkthrough Neal and Geoff. Saved to my Trello so I can refer to it often. I tweak my own setup all the time, and look for all the information I can find. The detail about where the neck scoop should level out at the standoff is something I've not found anywhere else. The sound post positioning section is the clearest single reference explanation I've found anywhere. By this instruction, I'm spot on with my placement. As always, inspiring and informative. Cheers! ~~ Wade

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Glad it was helpful Wade! Thank you so much for your kind words. :-)

[@jimslominski8006]

Excellent video! That was interesting to find out about how the f-notches line up with the string crossover rather than the centre of the feet. I've always used the foot centre. I'll have to check when I get home to see if I need a little readjustment on that. It was also interesting to find out how to check for the sound post location in relation to the top of the bass. I'll have to check that as well. Very informative. I personally check my setup once a month with a quick 3-point visual just to make sure nothing has gone out of alignment with tunings or especially going in and out of vehicles and the gig bag, where things can get knocked about. I'm going to add some of these tips to my routine. Thanks again!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Jim, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@tomd1826]

Fascinating! I looked at my bass while watching this and noticed the bridge lined up to the outer notch rather than the inner. I changed it to Neal's suggestion, and it seems to have resulted in a slightly drier but more characterful arco tone! I suppose because of the slight change in relative length of the string?

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks and I'm glad it worked out. I guess it will also change the distance between the soundpost and bridge foot, so that may be part of it. Good news it's sounding well.

[@scoopmcg]

What a helpful and informative video - Many thanks to Neal & Jeff !

[@pabloarruda]

That was an amazing explanation! Thanks a lot to both of you!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

Truly enlightening! Thank you very much.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much.

[@ASMRHongKong]

Thanks The Excellent Teaching Video 👍👍👍

[@andrewbrowne5557]

Thank you both!! GREAT video!!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@luke_bass91]

Thanks a lot. Great video!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

You are welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@SimonWojcik1]

Great video. Thank You.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Simon :-)

[@keithrawlings7741]

Wonderful information here!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks :-)

[@mikelawct]

Great vid you need to know these basics for sure. Also you should know the proper way to replace strings. I use an L square to make sure bridge is perpendicular to the top

[@drjazzproject]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! from Ukraine.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

You are welcome! :-)

[@johnljspiro]

Very informative video, thanks guys. Is that .4 mm at the nut the same on every string?

[@DavidSantos-sv3pm]

And what about the tunning of the "small strings" between the bridge and the tail piece? I feel that when they are in tune the bass resonates more but how to get that in tune? All the best

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

I've never looked into that, but I think you can tune the after length of the string with special bridges.

[@michaelanderson001]

I wish he would have described how to adjust a soundpost, especially if it became dislodged at a performance.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

That's a great topic. I'm sure we will get to it in a future video.

[@Benjybass]

Their soundpost explanation isn't complete: no mention of how to position it with a soundpost setter which can actually be very complicated for a beginner. If you don't know how to do it, then leave it to someone who does.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Yes, we deliberately don't cover any of the actual setup work in this video and strongly recommend that it be done by an experienced luthier.