My Juzek

mcnaire2004 · #1 08-15-2006, 01:25 PM

I recently got my Juzek fixed

(the long fingerboard is back order so i'll wait on that). But, there is one thing I'm worried about. The pizz is crazy loud and the low C is realy clear. But, when I bow it just seems off. Like some of my open string sound a little off. I get my tuner to check things and it's in tune. It just sounds "off". Perhaps I'm not used to the sound. It does carry quite a distance. I am still getting used to stretching since its a 7/8. BTW I have Helicore light arco strings and a Helicore hybrid as the long E.

sibass89 · #2 08-15-2006, 02:11 PM

Well the first thing is that those aren't really the best strings for a huge projection. If you want to use helicore (even though I don't suggest it for orchestral playing) use atleast the mediums or heavys. The lights just don't cut it. Also, The Helicore medium is what I use for my E but I know a lot of people with Spirocore extended E's. I suggest using Floxocor Originals or Spirocore Stark for orchestral strings and if you play in solo tuning, you can't beat the spirocore solo strings (IMO). This is what I basically use as a set up and is pretty popular.

Good luck,
Nick

mcnaire2004 · #3 08-15-2006, 03:45 PM

Thanks, I can't realy afford new strings right now (the ones I have are brand new). It projects well ( I mean realllllly welllll) It remarkably clear in the uper and lower registers. It's clear but a lil stray in the middle registers. Just playing it I feel the thunderous vibration that I never felt with any of my other basses. I am starting to get used to the strings Off but Intune sound. I swear that C sounds like it was played on a piano. Overall I love it to death. I really really love that bass. When I can I'll post some pics. The hardest thing about it is that it's 7/8 and not 3/4 and I'm not used to the stretch.

sibass89 · #4 08-15-2006, 04:20 PM

Yea well a longer stringlength can be a problem. When you get a chance you should switch the strings. I find that Helicores are very muddy sounding. That is what might be that "off" sound that you are talking about. That it just isn't clear. That can be fixed and like me you're a student. If you can sound good on things that don't work just wait until we get things that work.

-Nick

mcnaire2004 · #5 08-15-2006, 05:49 PM

LOL I agree Sibass. The main string though that has given me this muddy sound is the A. My C is increadible clear. I mean the upper and higher registers are crazy clear. That A and a little of the D is giving me that sound.

I am playing crazy out of tune adjusting to the larger bass. But I have notice that it is easier to play everything (besides being out of tune). Another wierd thing is that on my Ply bass it has a thin neck and I hurt my thumb a little because I over gripped it. But, I grip it nice soft and easy. Plus it's a Eb neck which makes things interesting.

**Francois Blais** · #6 08-15-2006, 07:54 PM

Maybe the sound post needs a bit of tweaking.
You should look at this with your luthier.
Of course, let the instrument settle in for a couple of weeks before you do this, if you think it's still necessary.

mcnaire2004 · #7 08-15-2006, 08:20 PM

Thanks Francois. I'll wait a few weeks. One question, the first week of september I have to do the concerto audition. I am a little weary about changing to solo strings this early. I'll probably have to change them after monday to work with my pianist. I asked my conductor if I should use orchestra or solo tuning and he said solo. So what to do? And, how do I get around that C extension to put the strings on.

Kam · #8 08-16-2006, 08:15 AM

About the A, my bass had a similar problem which was fixed with a wolf-tone eliminator installed below the bridge. Play the string for your teacher and see what he thinks. Also, ask him/her if he/she has some old strings you could try out.

mcnaire2004 · #9 08-16-2006, 03:19 PM

Now that I realy listen to it. My A and C sound like a clear Piano. I didn't think anything of the C b/c I was expecting a growl (it's clear though) it just sounded odd on the A.

Heifetzbass · #10 08-17-2006, 07:42 PM

Mcnaire,

You are going to need a solo long E string. (To tune to the f#) I have found that the Pirastro Permanent has a great sound on the low C. I find it a little rounder than the Spirocore, but still responds really fast and pumps out the sound. Welcome to the deep end of the pool.

BG

mcnaire2004 · #11 08-17-2006, 08:26 PM

Thanks, but the stuff I am playing doesn't really go down to the E string. On the stuff that does I am just going to just play up a whole step. It's going to be crazy hard to change a string that is going through a whole thats drilled in the scroll. It's going to be hard enough when I have to get around it to do my other strings. But thanks though.

I just turned 17 and I can't really afford to get anymore strings. It was bad enough that I (last week) had to pay $900 for getting it fixed and the C extention. I then had to buy 2 sets of strings then a extra long E string. I got a black upton case (verry similar to the Gilihor). I'm buying a new bow saturday and a bow case. I got a super long finger board thats back ordered then I have to pay to have it carved and fited. Plus school started back last monday I don't have alot of funds. Every one please stop telling me to buy stuff because I honestly can't. I'd love to but... you know. But other sugestions are welcome.

Max

anthem274 · #12 08-18-2006, 06:16 PM

Have you considered a mic? I suggest a Schertler Electrodynamic Transducer. It's only $565 and the added mass to the top, though it may be small, will make that low C sound incredibly lush. Something that you can pair it with is a new Contra III for a slim $989.

Actually, now that I think about it, you should just buy a new bass. There's a great deal at Robinson's for the ex-Eugene Wright Prescott. It'll only set you back $80K.

mcnaire2004 · #13 08-18-2006, 06:35 PM

My C is one of the best, powerfull, loudest, and clearest Cs Ive ever heard. I am not buying anything else for a while. I don't use a mic. Don't need a mic. Thanks for your not so funny humour.

anthem274 · #14 08-18-2006, 10:59 PM

Thanks for the British touch.

Jeff Guevin · #15 08-19-2006, 07:58 AM

"British" = snarky?

anthem274 · #16 08-19-2006, 12:10 PM

"humour"

PaulCannon · #17 08-19-2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcnaire2004

It's going to be crazy hard to change a string that is going through a whole thats drilled in the scroll. It's going to be hard enough when I have to get around it to do my other strings.

Yeah, because, of course, NOBODY BUT YOU has ever had a C extension before. It's not that difficult, and assuming that you just won't be able to change it could limit what you're able to do later.

mcnaire2004 · #18 08-19-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulCannon

Yeah, because, of course, NOBODY BUT YOU has ever had a C extension before. It's not that difficult, and assuming that you just won't be able to change it could limit what you're able to do later.

I'm not going to change my C and I have no reason to. And whats with the attitude?

mcnaire2004 · #19 08-21-2006, 09:26 PM

YEA!!!! I went to the first CYS rehearsal today and my Juzek dominated. Any forte or ff parts I drowned out the whole section (yes when he sais play as loud as you can I did lol). To bad we only practice once a week on mondays. I changed my top 3 strings to solo today (took an hour and a half, I need to get a winder). Then I'll have to change back to orch saturday but I love it. A little tougher tension but I'll get used to it.

anthem274 · #20 08-22-2006, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcnaire2004

Any forte or ff parts I drowned out the whole section

You know that's bad, right?