Double Bass A-string issues

[jpcadet93]

I am having some real issues with the A-string on our upright bass. Here is our current set-up: Shen SB150, Helicore G & D, Spirocore A, and Obligato E. Using a Schertler Stat-B pick-up with an Euphonic Audio Doubler amp and Wizzy 12 speaker.

We get a real thumpy attack with the A string that is so much louder than the other strings. I thought it might be a wolf-tone but the sound travels all the way across the string. We have tried several different types of strings, pick-ups, amps, etc. and get the same thing no matter what we try.

Any thoughts?

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

If your Spirocore is a Mittel (red at the pegbox end) it may well be the string. Often, a Spirocore red will be louder than the other strings you are using. They can get thumpy in time.

 

[jpcadet93]

Got the same sound with Helicore and Obligato A's

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Get it to a luthier. Could be your soundpost but this is something that requires a hands on approach.

 

[jpcadet93]

Greg,

Any thoughts on a good luthier in the Des Moines or Iowa City area? We got the bass from Michelle Fiore in Chicago and she suggested I try someone in the area that I trust before making the 6-hour drive to her shop.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Gollihur Music - Upright Bass Specialists: Instruments, Pickups, Preamps, Amplifiers, and Accessories

 

[moles]

There may well be some issue with the soundpost placement that a luthier might fix, but I always find helicores to be very quiet compared to other strings I've paired them with. I had an orchestral G/D with Spiro Weich E/A on my bass most recently - they couldn't even keep up with the weichs!
I'd try the bass with a full set of anything you could get your hands on, to see how the string to string balance is.
I'm no luthier, btw, but I am a chronic string experimenter!