string problem or bowing technique issues?

[LeslieD]

For the last couple of weeks I've been struggling with a "squealing" G string (overtones, harmonics and general high-pitched squeal and not the tone of the note I'm actually fingering). I'm not an especially good bass player, so when my colleagues suggested it's a problem with my bowing technique they might be right. But...it's ONLY the G that squeals. Can my technique be so different on the G than the other strings? Is it the angle that's so different that creates a squeal only on this string? I've recently converted to a German bow, but it was doing the same thing when I was using my French bow about three weeks ago. I can swap strings, but wanted to wait until after my Saturday night concert (in 5 days).

When I think about it, this has happened before on a different bass (about 5 years back), and then again only recently.

A colleague suggested I was bowing too quickly. I can produce the sound diliberately, but only when I REALLY bow quickly. When I'm playing normally, it doesn't feel like I'm doing anything differently than I always have. Any ideas or suggestions on how to de-squeal my G-string? Could this be a rosin issue?

[anonymous12251111]

My bass has the same issue, but more so it has to do with bowing technique. Check that your action isn't too low, your fingerboard is planed correctly and that you're not bowing the g string on too great an angle. If you bow the g string more parallel to the D you will get rid of that squaking tone. Are you using low tension strings? That can contribute to the overly wide vibration of the string, possibly hitting the fingerboard. Are you overpowering or crushing the string into the fingerboard?

[LeslieD]

I just raised the bridge, hoping that that was the problem...but still the same problem. I've got Thomastik Sprirocore strings, but I'm thinking of swapping the G off for a Helicore so it's not so bright. I was initially chalking up the whole thing to a sudden change in seasons (I live in PA), but it may be that my bowing technique is getting sloppy. I'll probably have to get someone to sit there and watch what I'm doing (or videotape myself) to see what's up. It often seems to happen when I'm crossing strings, too... There's no rattle or buzz though--which usually seems to happen when the strings are too low.

[jsbarber]

How close to the bridge are you bowing? If you are too close to the bridge (<1" or so) you it is difficult to excite the fundamental, and you will get a lot of harmonics/overtones. I read somewhere that you should be 1/8th of the way from the bridge to the finger-stopped position. I'm not saying that is correct, but you might try bowing half-way between the bridge and the end of the finger board.


Jim

[Bobby King]

I'd suggest trying a different G string. Spirocore in gereral aren't the most arco friendly strings and the bright G string is sometimes an issue even for pizzicato players.

[dchan]

I would definitely avoid the Spirocore and even the Helicore Orchestral G-string if you want to get rid of that squeak. Go for the a full-blown arco string, like a Flexocor G, Jargar G, or Belcanto G.

The best G string I ever used was the Flexocor G, though I've never used Jargars or Belcantos. I hear some wrapped gut G strings are very good also.

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by dchan

I hear some wrapped gut G strings are very good also.

The Olivs are fantastic. I'm totally ruined by them. Also probably the best pizz string I've ever played for my tastes. YMMV etc etc.

[Andy Allen]

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

The Olivs are fantastic. I'm totally ruined by them. Also probably the best pizz string I've ever played for my tastes. YMMV etc etc.

You beat me to it. So...yeah...wot he said!

Andy