Setup for pizz and arco

[Pat Harris]

This is an observation I've had. I'm one of those bassists that has to do it all on one bass, from jazz gigs to orchestra gigs. In a perfect world, I'd have a bass for orchestra and a bass for jazz. Since I only have one bass, I have to have it set up so I can go into any playing situation and get the best sonic results with very minimal tweaking.

That said, I've noticed that while I don't change the strings, or the string height, there is a sweet spot of bridge positioning (horizontally between the F-holes, the vertical position is where it ought to be) that is great for arco playing, but not necessarily for pizz playing. However, if I move it a few mm it sounds amazing for pizz, but way too bright for arco and the bow doesn't "catch" the strings as well. Any similar observations or answers why this may be happening?

-Pat

[arnoldschnitzer]

You are adjusting the soundpost in relation to the bridge.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

You are adjusting the soundpost in relation to the bridge.

...and really should stop doing that.

[Square Bear]

i find that there is a sweet spot in regards to bridge height. i frequently adjust my bridge for pizz/arco playing.

[drurb]

Of course, the OP was not talking about bridge height. As for a sweet spot for height, I agree but I think it has far more to do with the interaction of the string height with the hands (arco or pizz.) than with anything else.

[Pat Harris]

You are adjusting the soundpost in relation to the bridge.

Indeed, but why wouldn't it sound uniformly good (pizz and arco) if it's in the right spot? Maybe it's just my bass. The best I can come up with is that since the string is vibrating differently for pizz and arco, there is a natual resonance for the arco vibrations and then an equally natural resonance for the pizz vibrations which aren't necessarily the same. I don't really know what I'm talking about, though.

As far as moving the bridge, we're talking 1 to 2mm tops. Just a slight slight bump in one direction or another.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Pat Harris

Indeed, but why wouldn't it sound uniformly good (pizz and arco) if it's in the right spot? Maybe it's just my bass. The best I can come up with is that since the string is vibrating differently for pizz and arco, there is a natual resonance for the arco vibrations and then an equally natural resonance for the pizz vibrations which aren't necessarily the same. I don't really know what I'm talking about, though.

As far as moving the bridge, we're talking 1 to 2mm tops. Just a slight slight bump in one direction or another.

Natural resonances? Well, uh... don't think so. Moving a sound post by very small amounts can produce reliable and noticeable changes. 1-2 mm? I hope the luthiers will chime in but that's REALLY a small amount. Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that 1-2 mm of movement (either the post or the bridge) will produce a noticeable change. What you judge to be the most desirable sound may change for arco and pizz. because you might prefer a different emphasis of overtones for each type of play. First, I think it would be wise for you to stop knocking around your bridge. Second, I suggest that you visit a good luthier and ask him/her to work with you and the bass to get the sound from it that's the most desirable for you in terms of both arco and pizz. Then, leave it alone and play!

[JtheJazzMan]

Originally Posted by Pat Harris

Indeed, but why wouldn't it sound uniformly good (pizz and arco) if it's in the right spot? Maybe it's just my bass. The best I can come up with is that since the string is vibrating differently for pizz and arco, there is a natual resonance for the arco vibrations and then an equally natural resonance for the pizz vibrations which aren't necessarily the same. I don't really know what I'm talking about, though.

As far as moving the bridge, we're talking 1 to 2mm tops. Just a slight slight bump in one direction or another.

*Just my observations.

When the bow sticks and slips it sends pulses through the bridge. The setup of the bass, and the bass itself will effect how the tone is: bright/dark, focused and clear or echoey and unfocused etc.

On my bass, not only did soundpost adjustments change that, but moving from a softer bridge to a hard aubert mirecourt bridge made it brighter and more focused

[Pat Harris]

you might prefer a different emphasis of overtones for each type of play.

This makes sense to me. However, there is a physical difference in the response of the bass as well.

Maybe it's just being in Texas and going from swamp temperatures one day to desert the next.

[txstatebass]

Originally Posted by Pat Harris

Maybe it's just being in Texas and going from swamp temperatures one day to desert the next.

Nail hit right on the head there Pat. I can't tell you how many times the rapid weather changes have made my bass go from God-like tone to complete cr@p in the span of one hour. Keep the humidifier going in your house on these dry/cold days.

Also, in my experience (YMMV) I've found that what's good for arco will be good for pizz, and vice versa. To me there is no optimum for either, but an optimum for both. In other words, a well set-up bass will work (and sound) great for both.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by txstatebass

Also, in my experience (YMMV) I've found that what's good for arco will be good for pizz, and vice versa. To me there is no optimum for either, but an optimum for both. In other words, a well set-up bass will work (and sound) great for both.

I agree, I was just trying to explain Pat's experience. Mine certainly squares with yours. When it's "right," it's right for both.

[Pat Harris]

Thank you, sirs.