Hofner again...

[ilan]

Strung!

The shaved bridge is still on the bass, on a maple strip. I'll bring the new bridge to the luthier today after work. 

[godofthunder]

Very very nice!

[dadagoboi]

one way is to use a contour gauge for the rough measurement on the body.

Great rolling bench/double bass jig!  I like the use of a single band clamp to hold the neck into the pocket while the glue dries.  Did he use hide glue?

[ilan]

Did he use hide glue?

Of course. And he assured me that if the bass ever needs another neck reset, it will be an easy and quick job.

[ilan]

The new bridge base has to be carved to fit the top. It's made to fit a 500/1 top, which is more curved due to the small body. The Senator is less curved there. So as is, the bridge base only touches the body at two points, on either side. This needs to be fixed. This whole thing is not going to be cheap, I'm afraid.

And then the bass will need fret leveling/redress. Still no verdict on the pickup.

[Dave W]

You'll still treasure it when it's done.

[ilan]

Okay, I'm giving up on the pickup. Bought this 60's Hofner pickup off eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180935982978?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_716



Maybe later I'll try to fix the original pickup.

[ilan]

This pic of a 500/8 bass shows a soundpost!

[Dave W]

I don't see how it can hurt the sound to have one installed in yours.

[copacetic]

Ilan, I have a 1964 500/5 (President) in all original perfect condition. However I have always felt I could get a little more out of it if the Hofner bridge was not just in contact on those 2 points. I think if the bridge was made to be in total contact would be a little more effective. Is that what you are having your luthier make? If not could you ask him? Thanks

[dadagoboi]

Ilan, I have a 1964 500/5 (President) in all original perfect condition. However I have always felt I could get a little more out of it if the Hofner bridge was not just in contact on those 2 points. I think if the bridge was made to be in total contact would be a little more effective. Is that what you are having your luthier make? If not could you ask him? Thanks

Pictures of a few hundred double bass/cello bridges.  ALL contact the body at 2 points only.  Same with archtop guitar bridges.

https://www.google.com/search?q=viola,+cello+bridge&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=zjl&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=L0EtUP3AMoiK8QSPrYDACA&ved=0CAsQ_AUoAQ&biw=1133&bih=533#hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=NP6&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=double+bass+bridge&oq=double+bass+bridge&gs_l=img.12..0j0i24l9.115814.118987.0.124325.11.11.0.0.0.0.160.1322.2j9.11.0...0.0...1c.BbFDBkw3jMA&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=13bc2f125afc60ba&biw=1133&bih=533

There must be a reason they're made that way.

[uwe]

Because full contact would stiffen the top and deaden sound on an acoustic instrument that relies on a flexible top? Just a thought, but if so that wouldn't apply to an electric instrument.

[patman]

I think Uwe is correct...on a banjo, the more mass a bridge has, and the larger footprint it has, the less sound you get.

[nofi]

i don't think it would have any affect on an electric bass unless you're noodling on it unplugged. the hofner doesn't 'rely' on a flexible top for sound like an acoustic does. it has those pick up thingies.

[patman]

I think one would still hear it.  It just wouldn't be as "live" and fun and responsive to play.