Dead "D"

Picknbow · #1 04-29-2009, 03:44 PM

I finally got around to completing a new bridge on a 1952 Kay C1. It had been sitting for some time with an old set of strings (gut) atop a bridge that had little more done to it than fitting the feet and the top profile.

No radical thinning of the bridge was done, just average. New Helicores were installed, slots finally fit and the D string is as dead as I have ever heard.( open or capered ) The soundpost fits and is centered on bridge foot, half its thickness back. I will probably try another string on it just to eliminate it as a possibility.

any suggestions?

hr

Paul Warburton · #2 04-29-2009, 05:08 PM

I was going to suggest sound post, but if the G, A and E sound tonically level it more than likely is a bad string. How are the nut grooves?

Jake deVilliers · #3 04-29-2009, 05:20 PM

Don't use D'Addario Helicores?

Picknbow · #4 04-29-2009, 05:58 PM

The nut grooves could be better but the string is dead in all positions.

Paul Warburton · #5 04-29-2009, 06:51 PM

The only other shot I can think of, and I can't imagine this working, is to try moving the post another 1/2 thickness down towards the tailpiece. Rule of thumb is a full post thickness down from the bridge foot.
Don't you have an old D you can put on to check?

Mike Arnopol · #6 04-29-2009, 10:15 PM

I agree with Paul. A full soundpost diameter back is kindof the starting point. Just to let you know I just had a bad experience with a bad new Obbligato D. Totally dead. Changed it and all was good. Make sure it's not pinched in the bridge slot.

Paul Warburton · #7 04-29-2009, 10:26 PM

Thank you, Mike. It's nice to be agreed with. (for a change...jeesh.)

Hey, Pick...if you cut your post to fit with the 1/2" concept in mind, you may have to cut a new one, depending on the arching of the top. I don't think that should be an issue on an older Kay, though. ( we hope.)

kurt ratering · #8 04-30-2009, 05:38 AM

i have to agree with jake, im not a big fan of helicores

Picknbow · #9 05-17-2009, 11:09 AM

I decided th take off the brand new D string and replace it. It sounded so much better it was a big relief. The string was so dead (tried it on another bass and it killed it too) it makes you wonder how good a string really is.

I was ignorant not recognizing the dead string but the bass sounds so good now I am again pompously thinking I am a super bass mechanic.