440 hz A

[SaucyJackBass]

Okay, so this may be a really dumb question. I was under the impression that the 14th fret on the G string was a 440 hz A.

But if I do the math, then the 2nd fret on the G is 220 and the A string is 110. So if my crossover is at 140hz then roughly C and below come out the subs and all higher come out the mains.

Am I even close?

[Mushroo]

Nope, 14th fret A on the G string is 220hz. Bass sounds one octave lower than notated.

Also don't forget that the sound of the bass is composed of many frequencies called "overtones" in addition to the "fundamental." So when you play your open A string (55hz) you're also hearing 110hz, 165hz, 220hz, etc.

[SaucyJackBass]

Thanks. I knew something was amiss.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by SaucyJackBass

Okay, so this may be a really dumb question.

So if my crossover is at 140hz then roughly C and below come out the subs and all higher come out the mains.

Am I even close?

It's not a dumb question, most people wouldn't even know why to ask when they should.

As for being close, Mushroo said it well, You're not.

If You were playing a single waveform-generator synth, the scenario you described could be theoretically possible, but even with very steep 24 dB/octave cross-overs, there would be some overlap.

Musical instruments generally produce a wide variety of frequencies that give every instrument their distinguishing timbre.

Look the "frequency waterfall plot" thread up and prepare yourself for a good (long) read.

Regards
Sam