Problem with A string/dead notes

[ScottyAx800]

Hey bassers, wondering if you can lend me some of your expertise here.

My A string vibrates differently than the rest of my strings. While the other three seem to follow a natural, more lateral oscillation, the A has what looks like a circular path. This string is also more difficult to articulate properly than my other strings. Is it possible that I restrung it improperly, or do some strings just go bad? Right now I have Helicore Orchestra strings, medium gauge.

There are are couple of notes on the bass that are seriously lacking in sustain. A pitch sounding the Bb right above the bass staff has less sustain than other notes, regardless of where I play it (this is most notable when pizzing, especially during jazz ballads with my quartet). The bass is an engelhardt supreme. While I know that a laminate bass is no tone champ, is there anything I can do to fix this dead note, or should I be investing in a nicer instrument, say, a hybrid from Upton Bass?

Thank you in advance for any and all advice.

[Paul Warburton]

Could be one of these.........


Wolf Tones

[Square Bear]

try putting a wolftone modifier on the A sting. i bet that would solve your problem. you may be able to take care of it with a sound post adjustment too, but it's most likely a wolf.

[Paul Warburton]

Is there an echo in here?

[kurt ratering]

most likely a wolf olf olf olf lf f

[bejoyous]

Measure the string length and the between-the-bridge-and-tailpiece string length. The after-length should be 1/6 the playing string length so it is vibrating at one of the nodes. (ex. If the playing-length is 105cm then the after-length should be 17.5cm)

If it isn't, then this is likely the cause of the wolf tone and the fuzzy Bb (the Bb on my G-string used to have a weird phasing sound).

Take it to a luthier to clamp on a new tailpiece wire. If you do it yourself, the sound post will most lie fall down and you'll have to take it to a luthier anyway.

Also, the tailpiece might be vibrating sympathetically with some note that is against the A.

Installing a Wittner composite TP at the proper length will greatly improve the tone. They weigh 5.5 oz compared to an ebony one which weigh about 14 oz. They are also sonically inert. No one will be able to tell it isn't ebony by looking at it.

Installing a wire tailpiece will completely eliminate any wolftones and significantly improve the sound of your instrument. My bass sounds $15 000 better with one! A few people notice is looks weird but most don't. I think is looks nice as more of the belly wood can be seen.

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by kurt ratering

most likely a wolf olf olf olf lf f

.

[ScottyAx800]

Holy cow. Thanks for the replies, guys!