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I was gifted an absolutely beautiful National Violin bass by my friend who had just found it in a dumpster, I have a few questions about fixing it up.


The first problem is that when I try and play it, the strings will fall off of their saddles, as depicted in the picture below.
I was wondering if I could replace the saddles with ones that will actually hold them in place. I have never seen this kind
of bridge on a bass before so quite frankly I have no clue. The second problem is that the strings always sound like they are being palm muted, as if i was playing with a pick. I thought this might also have to do with the bridge, but I'm not sure.

There are a few other minor problems that I already know how to fix, but these two stump me quite frankly. Can someone help me out here?



Edit: I should say that the bridge has a cover that goes over it, but I took it off to give you clear view of the saddles.

First of all - your strings are flatwounds, so yeah - they are supposed to sound dead.
Get roundwound strings if you desire a livelier sound.

Second - do you mean the bridge will fall off the body of the bass, or that the saddles will fall off?
A little tape will take care of the former. Being careful will take care of the latter.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Thanks.

If you study the first picture closely you will see that the G string is just off of the saddle.
Every time I try and play it, the strings will slip off like the one above.

Oh - my bad. In that case you need more breakover angle at the bridge.
Shim the neck, then readjust the bridge higher until it is playable.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Alright man, I appreciate it.

I will try that and get back to you.