Problem with A on the G string

[bankerwithabass]

I have a problem with the A in that it really jumps out when I play it amplified. I think it does it without the amp, you just don't notice it as much. I began using a 5 band equalizer and found that if I notch out the 127 HZ band it helps to compensate but not completely. The other symptom is that it also sounds muddled.

I have tried moving the sound post closer and then further away from the bridge but with no noticible difference.

I was wondering if a wolf (?) tone eliminator would be something that could help. Any other thoughts?

[drurb]

Originally Posted by bankerwithabass

I have a problem with the A in that it really jumps out when I play it amplified. I think it does it without the amp, you just don't notice it as much. I began using a 5 band equalizer and found that if I notch out the 127 HZ band it helps to compensate but not completely. The other symptom is that it also sounds muddled.

I have tried moving the sound post closer and then further away from the bridge but with no noticible difference.

I was wondering if a wolf (?) tone eliminator would be something that could help. Any other thoughts?

Which A on the G string? Fiddling with the sound post in the manner described is not wise. My understanding from the expert luthiers is that a properly fitted sound post fits correctly in one position +/-, perhaps, a couple of mm. Seek professional help-- for the bass, that is.

[billyfalconer]

Originally Posted by bankerwithabass

...I was wondering if a wolf (?) tone eliminator would be something that could help.

Maybe. It doesn't hurt to try. Do you have any fishing weights or other chunks of lead sitting around the house you can experiment with?

[Bob Branstetter]

Originally Posted by bankerwithabass

I have a problem with the A in that it really jumps out when I play it amplified. I think it does it without the amp, you just don't notice it as much. I began using a 5 band equalizer and found that if I notch out the 127 HZ band it helps to compensate but not completely. The other symptom is that it also sounds muddled.

What kind of bass is it? (carved? Plywood? age?) Exactly what do you mean by "really jumps out"? Is the "A" louder than the other notes? Sustains longer? Buzzes? You say that you "think it does it without the amp". Can you verify that it always does it without the amp being on?

[bankerwithabass]

Thanks so far for all of the reply's. When I say it jumps out it is at least 12 db louder than the other notes on the bass. The A above open D is also louder but not quite as bad as the A on the G string. So it would seem that there a strong resonance to that particular note that I don't get in the rest of the instrument.

As far as the bass is concerned, it is a low end made of plywood, manufactured in China and is about 6 years old. I bought it new. It has had this problem since I bought it. I use an underwood pickup with a SWR amplifier. I have tried other pickups and other amplifiers with the same result. Other than this problem I have it set up so it plays and sounds pretty good.

As far as the problem in an unamplified state, the A jumps out, but because it is not amplified it isn't as noticible but is still there.

Thanks for your help.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by bankerwithabass

Thanks so far for all of the reply's. When I say it jumps out it is at least 12 db louder ...

That would be 12 dB more intense, in which case it will be perceived as just over twice as loud. I'm still not sure which A you mean. The "first" A or the one above the octave?

[bankerwithabass]

It would be the first A above the open G.

[Bob Branstetter]

My first thought was that the problem had something to do with the "A" possibly being the resonance frequency of the the body. The problem with that is that an "A" would have a frequency of 110Hz and you indicate that a notch at 127Hz helps to compensate. 127Hz would be about half way between "B" & "C". The first thing I would try would be to make sure the amp speaker is not pointed toward the back of the bass since that could conceivably excite the resonance frequency of the body.

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by bankerwithabass

As far as the problem in an unamplified state, the A jumps out, but because it is not amplified it isn't as noticible but is still there.

Thanks for your help.

1. Make sure it's not a string issue
2. Move the soundpost around with the help of someone who knows how and where to go with it.
3. Try one side of the Underwood or the other but not both.
4. Try a proper piezoelectric preamp
5. Try phase reversal
6. Try a different amp and or speaker and or pickup
7. If none of that works, sell the bass.
8. Repeat.

[ctxbass]

If this happens with two finger pizz or arco, it could be sympathetic resonance of the A string. The right hand usually dampens the lower strings with one finger (hooked index) pizz.

[bankerwithabass]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I have tried most everyhing that was suggested and I still have the problem. But I did notice last night as I was playing around that if I really dig into the A I do notice a buzz. So I'm beginning to think that it may be related to a finger board problem.

So I'm going to take it in and have it looked at by a good luthier and take it from there. We can also check the sound post as well.

thanks everyone.