Low End

msabp · #1 03-24-2007, 06:08 PM

I just got a new 5/8 bass. I really like it but it's laking a little in the low end. I'm playing on obligato's now but I thought that a diforent string might bring out a better low end sound. Any thoughts?
(P.S. I play all styles... jazz, clasical, bluegrass, ect.)

**Francois Blais** · #2 03-24-2007, 06:55 PM

A smaller bass may lack some bottom end, that's a drawback.
Maybe you luthier can move the soundpost though.
You can change your bass tone with that.

greitzer · #3 03-25-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msabp

I just got a new 5/8 bass. I really like it but it's laking a little in the low end. I'm playing on obligato's now but I thought that a diforent string might bring out a better low end sound. Any thoughts?
(P.S. I play all styles... jazz, clasical, bluegrass, ect.)

I have a smallish 3/4-size bass, and I had a lot of trouble bringing out the low end as well. But then I tried Thomastik Superflexible strings, and presto -- the E string has more life, clarity and sustain than any other string I've tried. I don't know why, but it works for me. So I'm using Superflexibles except for the G, which was a bit too twangy so I'm using a Flexocor medium-guage G string. This combination works very well for me (I also play a variety of types of music, similar to you).

**Francois Blais** · #4 03-25-2007, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greitzer

So I'm using Superflexibles except for the G, which was a bit too twangy so I'm using a Flexocor medium-guage G string.

Can I suggest you try the Belcanto G?
Even better match than the Flexocor to me.
Being made by the same company, they blend better, and tone is quite warm too!

Regards,
Françoi

greitzer · #5 03-26-2007, 12:39 AM

Thanks for the tip, Francois. I've been wondering about the Belcanto's. Sounds like you're pretty impressed with the G, so perhaps that will be my next one.

**Francois Blais** · #6 03-27-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greitzer

Thanks for the tip, Francois. I've been wondering about the Belcanto's. Sounds like you're pretty impressed with the G, so perhaps that will be my next one.

Update: I removed the Belcanto and put on a Flexocor today, and the Flexocor works indeed better!
It has more volume and dynamic than the Belcanto, and matches better with the Superflexes!

greitzer · #7 03-27-2007, 08:39 PM

Thanks for the udpate, Francois. I agree, the Flexocor G is an extremely good match with the Superflexibles. This combination suits me just fine.

If the person who originally posted the question is still interested, I would definitely recommend the Superflexibles, they have a great low end, at least on my bass.

bearfoot · #8 03-27-2007, 08:57 PM

Cool, I have the same problem. I have a 3/4 with very sloped shoulders, which must make for a higher resonant frequency. It has rope core steel on it and a wickedly high action, so the little beast is quite loud, great festival bass, but as mentioned, lacking fundamentals on the lowest third.
I think I'll look into the sound post nudge first. The whole bass is terribly set up, so I wouldn't be surprised if the post is off as well.
Nothing like a good plywood thumper out in the woods, good people, good music.
Thanks for the info!