Double Bass Arco Strings to balance out nasally bass

[stefaniw80401]

My bass has a punchy midrange -- somewhat nasally especially arco. Currently strung with full set of belcanto. Pizz I think it sounds good, articulate and decent bottom without being boomy. The E string is loud and powerful. The upper register roars on solo repertoire. The instrument is fully carved, light and resonant. 41.25" string length. CF endpin. I'm looking for a string that would have some mid-scoop. Is the such an animal?

 

[LouisF]

Hi,
Is it more a sound post adjustment issue than the actual strings? Jargars might help (but not for pizz) or Kaplans??

 

[stefaniw80401]

Yes, I think the sound post is too long, therefore too deep west towards the middle. It also is too far north close to the bridge. This bass is new to me, built in 2011, but I'm the 1st owner and it needs to be dialed in

It's been in two different shoppes here in Denver since 2011. It's a beautiful fully carved bass by a Chinese master luthier done up in premium tone woods, including a stunning one-piece highly figured flame maple round back, and the spruce top shows a lot of "bear claw" figure.

 

[stefaniw80401]

 

[LouisF]

Photos? Has Bob Ross looked at it??

 

[stefaniw80401]

The inside on the bass is also as beautful.

 

[stefaniw80401]

Photos? Has Bob Ross looked at it??

No, not yet. I got it from Luther String Shoppe. Mi Vida Strings did the original bridge and signed it in 2012. I think MVS sent it back to West Coast Strings because they couldn't afford to keep it in the shop. Then Luther Strings picked it up three years ago. I discovered it last year, and didn't tell anyone about it. Just this week was able to acquire it.

 

[AGCurry]

It's a beautiful-looking instrument!

You've identified what you think might be a setup issue. I'd want to address that before looking for strings.

BUT ... we love to give advice on strings, so ... Evah Pirazzi weich, Original Flat Chrome, or Passione.

 

[stefaniw80401]

I have EP-W and Passione med and stark in my collection.

...and I'm a sucker for curly maple!

 

[jmpiwonka]

Wow, great looking wood on that bass. And the pattern is beautiful too.
I would leave the belcanto on it and get the soundpost adjusted or recut if needed.

 

[SVT4001]

Stunning instrument! Congratulations on the addition to the family!
I agree with the folks recommending attention to the soundpost- adjust, recut, or maybe replace?
Another thing to consider would be to live with it for a while. You've only had the bass for a week, it will need to adjust to you, and you to it.
Explore the bass, push it hard, see what it will do.
Also consider getting a colleague to play it so you can sit in front of it and hear how it projects. I had a bass that sounded brilliant out front, but it had a weird quirk in the sound from the playing position.
But...while we're suggesting strings...nothing cures "nasally" like Flexocor 92's!!! =)

 

[coldtrain]

+1 for Original Flatchrome.

 

[Derek Kay]

How does it sound with fast arco and light pressure up toward the fingerboard?

My three tricks for a big warm sound.

Practising with a mute helped me.

Otherwise soundpost adjustment