bass sounding choked....

[biddypatrick]

I recently had my bass repaired..which was some internal clue-ing. Now I have the bass back, I can't find "it's sound". The bridge seemed to be set towards the E string side too much and the G string was faint by comparison..I've moved the bridge to where I feel it should be and it's a bit better but the sound feels choked and the G is still not there..maybe it's sound post thing and I know I need to take it to a GOOD bass luthier but any suggestions otherwise..?

[Cody Sisk]

I'd say that you shouldn't leave the luthier's shop until you're happy with how your bass sounds. Take time to play it. Granted it will settle a bit and the sound will change after a week or so (especially with new strings), try and make the best of it before you leave the shop. My gut feeling is that you didn't give the luthier you took it to a chance to set up the instrument to your liking. I know that a lot of times a customer looks for a different sound than I would look for. Perhaps you labeling them as not one of the "good" luthiers is a bit premature? Nevertheless, if you need references to a good luthier in your area, do us a favor and fill out your profile.

[Square Bear]

how long was your bass in the shop? i recently had my bass worked on by Arnold and was away from it for a little over a week total. when i got it back, there were issues with the sound that were definitely related to me forgetting how to play the bass... now that i'm playing again, my bass sounds better than ever.

[biddypatrick]

I think I needed to clarify a pretty important thing. I live in Southern Portugal and I'm yet to find a bass luthier in this region. The only person I know and trust is a guitar luthier. I can call upon him for cracks and minor repairs.

Perhaps you labeling them as not one of the "good" luthiers is a bit premature?

I want to set it right that I was not labeling them as not one of the good ones at all..infact this guy is brilliant. He glued a brace inside the instrument without opening it and I had the bass back the next afternoon...and then, he does his best with the set up, but I need to take it to a good bass luthier. I'm in the process of finding one in Lisbon which is about 250km from me.

So..the choked sound..is this a soundpost thing or could I be doing something with the bridge placement in the meantime until I make the trip north.?

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

The post may be too tight.

[Eric Hochberg]

I just unchoked my bass by moving the bridge up at tad, changing its position to the soundpost, which I can't move on my own...

[biddypatrick]

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

I just unchoked my bass by moving the bridge up at tad, changing its position to the soundpost, which I can't move on my own...

Do you mean the feet up a little?

[Eric Hochberg]

Yes, a little, 1/8".