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Double Bass Ab on G string does not project when amplified

JAS

JAS

Jul 3, 2001
389
26
California
#1
The Ab on the G string in half position does not project when amplified. At lower amplified volumes it sounds fine and acousticaly I don't hear any problem with that note. When playing at medium to somewhat louder volumes the bass sounds fine, but then when I play that note, its basically silent.

I am using the Fishman Full Circle and I have tried a couple other pickups with the same problem.

Any ideas?
 
#2
If it sounds fine accoustically then it is not going to be the dreaded "Dead spot" which is common a bit further up the G string around the 5th fret. Try it again accoustically in a really quiet room to make sure.
You have tried different pickups already.
May be an issue with that particular frequency with your cabinet or the room you are playing in.
try another amp/Cabinet/location

Edit- Just noticed this is in the DB forum, my reply may not make sense
 
#4
JAS said:
Anyone have any ideas? This is a DB question.

It seems to do this in any room I have played it in. I have tried different pickups and amplifiers with the same result (very little sound coming from that Ab).
Click to expand...

Have you tried repositioning where you stand relative to the amp? It could be an issue with the wavelength of that note and where you're standing in front of the amp (if you stand in front of it). When it happens, try moving a few feet to the left/right or just away from the amp (if your patch cable is long enough).

Some pickups, like the Schertler DYN-B has a phase-reversal switch that I've sometimes used to correct problems like this in weird rooms.
 
#5
I have a carved Chinese bass that had a similar problem. On the G string, the A & Bb were very choked, almost inaudible, when amped. The condition did not occur when playing acoustically, however. This bass started out with an Underwood on it, which was replaced with a BP100, which was also replaced with a full circle. The condition was identical with all 3 pickups, and different amps and different amp placement made no difference. I mistakenly took this condition to be a wolf tone. Back in December, I ordered one of Mike Pecanic's adjustable compensating tailpieces, and tailpiece cord. I had a local luthier install them along with a new set of Obligatos and tune the after length to 2 octaves + a 4th. The problem was much improved, but not eliminated. About 5 months later, after the strings and tail piece cord stopped stretching, the problem completely disappeared. I have no idea why this apparently worked, but it might be something to consider in your case.
 
#6
Maybe it is reacting with a wolfe tone or you are having some kind of phase issue. I think this is a real common note to have an issue with.

You might try lighter strings, or you may be listening to the wrong thing acoustically. are you getting the same clear sound you get on the other strings? if you mute the other strings with your hand, does the note sound different?
 

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