B-String Height

[rv_bass]

Just wondering what height people use for their B-string?  I find that setting it lower than 5mm at the 12th fret (distance from top of 12th fret to the top of the B-string) results in audible buzzing and string slapping noise.  I would like to set it lower than that, since this bridge position also affects the height of the other strings, but that's as low as I can go at the moment.  Any suggestions on how to set the bridge and nut to lower the string without causing excessive fret noise would be appreciated.

[growlypants]

I ended up just raising the nut a HAIR on the B-string side, which completely solved the problem for me.  YMMV, of course!!

[edwardofhuncote]

Rob, in my recent alternative flatwound string experiment, I've had to make similar adjustments to the E or B string side of the bridges on both my fretless Alembics. A little does a lot... honestly, though I haven't measured, 5 mm clearance at center-scale would probably be about right, or maybe a touch low for me.

Check the relief on your neck... this cold/dry spell we're in put a little extra in mine. I went a 1/4 turn on the truss rods too.

[JimmyJ]

It's such an individual thing.  Many factors involved including not only the height of the bridge and nut but how much relief the fingerboard has (truss rod) and most importantly your own playing style.  Even the exact direction the string happens to fly as you pluck it.  It takes some work to get it all adjusted to where it where it works best for YOU, and those results may not work for anybody else.


The height of the strings over the bridge saddles is meant to mimic the arc of the fingerboard so that no individual string is higher than the others.  What that means for me is the g-string side of my bridge is lower than the b-string side simply because the b-string moves so much further when played that it needs the extra clearance. 


And not to hijack the thread but I like to set the nut like a "zero-fret".  In other words, the height of an open string over the 1st fret is about the same as if I finger the first fret and measure the height of the string over the 2nd fret.  This is a nice way to make the action feel lower because if the nut's too high you're pushing that extra distance for every note you play...


Jimmy J

[rv_bass]

Thanks very much for the replies, I will start experimenting with your suggestions

[bigredbass]

Jimmy nailed it.  It's the subtle combination of relief, height over the last fret, nut height (and that's a great way to set it, JJ), and how you play the instrument.  Guys with a light touch fingerstyle can get away with lower/straighter than some guy framming it with a heavy pick in his AC/DC cover band.

As you can imagine, the bigger B and E strings are gonna vibrate in bigger arcs than the D and G.  So when we set the bridge for the string heights over the last fret, think of the plane of the 5 strings as tilted up on the bass side to account for this.  That is, the bridge will be a bit higher on the bass side than the treble side.  If you look at the nut slots, you'll see James accounted for this on that end, as the B looks as if it's a little shallow and the G looks a little deep.

My starting measurements would be around 1/8" clearance on the low side, and a bit less than that on the G side.  Your results will vary, but that'll get you in the neighborhood, and you set that once your neck relief is where you want it.  As always, on an Alembic, this is far easier than any other bass, with the adjustable nut and the one-piece bridge.

[JuancarlinBass]

I like to set the nut like a "zero-fret".  In other words, the height of an open string over the 1st fret is about the same as if I finger the first fret and measure the height of the string over the 2nd fret.  This is a nice way to make the action feel lower because if the nut's too high you're pushing that extra distance for every note you play...


Jimmy J

And that's why I miss so much an Alembic adjustable nut on every non-Alembic "other bass". +1 on thinking Jimmy nailed it completely, that's exactly what I've found makes it work for me.

Thank you all for being such a formidable family, and have all and everyone my best wishes for a wonderful 2018!!! Hugs!