Dead String

[snakfut]

I have a 100-year-old Alfred Meyer bass that I have used mostly for classical situations. I recently had it set up for jazz and put new Spirocore Mediums on the bass. I have noticed something that has always bothered me, but now it's even more apparent: the "D" string is a little "dull" and does ring like the other strings. I am hoping that it's a setup issue and not inherent to the bass. Any ideaa? Thx.

[bigolbassguy]

Do you have this problem regardless of where you stop the string?

[snakfut]

Yes, anywhere on the string.

[Meddle771]

Check the nut slot, bridge slot, where the string meets the tailpiece, the entire tailpiece. See if anything seems out of wack.

[bigolbassguy]

If you have a long straightedge - check the scoop on your fingerboard. You should see about a 1/8" gap.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by bigolbassguy

If you have a long straightedge - check the scoop on your fingerboard. You should see about a 1/8" gap.

EVERYBODY has a long straightedge - its called a string! Hold the tight string down at the ends (or at the ends of the section of board you're wondering about) and have a look.

It made a perfectly straight line for the Egyptians and it will make a perfectly straight line for you.

[bigolbassguy]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

EVERYBODY has a long straightedge - its called a string! Hold the tight string down at the ends (or at the ends of the section of board you're wondering about) and have a look.

It made a perfectly straight line for the Egyptians and it will make a perfectly straight line for you.

[boylebass]

I recently had this same EXACT problem after switching string brands- the bridge slot for the D string was swallowing up the string. I went back to the 'gold standard' <spiro mittel> and everything was fine.