Is it just the bass?

[klem.gote]

Hi, I posted this in the DB forum, thought maybe I'd have some luck in this section.
My bass, while not a top of the line bass, is a good instrument. The g string rings out clear and loud all the way up the neck. The e string is loud, clear, lots of great growl. But the d string starts getting dull as i move up the neck, and the a string is even a little worse. It's been set up by a good luthier. I use Spiros, have tried both the Mittels and Weichs with pretty much the same results. Is it just the nature of the instrument or can something be done? I'd appreciate any thought at all, thanks!!!

[reedo35]

The answers in the Basses forum are just as valid as the ones you'll get here. It's winter, time for a sound post adjustment.
You have a dead spot on the D, I'm guessing around the A or Bb.
Very common issue, if the sound post adjustment doesn't work, it could be a wolf tone, also fixable.

[klem.gote]

Hi, and thanks for the reply. The sound has changed a bit with the weather, but the problem was just as bad last summer, and the A string is worse than the D. I can ask the luthier to try a new sound post placement. Have to say I don't know much about wolf tones. But thanks!!!

[fdeck]

Maybe the fingerboard needs to be planed. That's how my luthier fixed my dead spots in pretty much the same places. Maybe a close look with a straightedge would tell you if the fingerboard relief is the same from one string to the next, or if there are any anomalies.

[reedo35]

Originally Posted by klem.gote

Have to say I don't know much about wolf tones. But thanks!!!

Do a search for wolf tones in the setup and repair section.
Be careful, you might learn somethin'!