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Double Bass Bass Feels Tight

P

powerbass

Nov 2, 2006
1,387
156
western MA
#1
I have a minor issue w/my Thompson RM 200 hybrid that I was hoping to get some feedback about. The bass feels tight to me with pizz. It also has a mid range heavier tone. I've played other basses that have a smoother, softer feel that translates into a deeper tone. I've owned the bass for a couple of years, I have obligato solo strings on it and I have not touched the sound post. I adjust the bridge/string height seasonally which helps. I'm assuming I can improve the sound/feel with a sound post adjustment? The sound post is just south of the bridge foot, maybe a fraction further. i want to do the adjustment myself. My bass teacher has another student with the same bass, only newer that has a similar tight feel. Any thoughts/suggestions about the tightness issue? If I was to move the sound post any thoughts on what direction would translate into a softer playing, deeper tone?
 
#3
Other things to consider are the tail gut and your string height. Is it a solid wire on your tailgut or a braided cable?Sometimes, a soundpost that's too loose can make the bass seem tight as well, but either way, it's worth having a pro check it out.
 
#4
If you don't understand what's causing the problem, why do you assume a soundpost adjustment will cure it? I'm not saying not to do it, but it's not like adjusting a thermostat because you're cold. Bring it to a professional, be polite and ask them to explain what was wrong and why.
 
#5
The tail wire is braided cable, string height has been adjusted. I assume that since the bass ribs and back are laminate the seasonal variations of a hybrid would be less than a solid wood bass where the ribs are expanding and shrinking contributing to altered sound post tension. I was hoping to do the adjusting myself but since I lack the skills to assess the length of the sound post I will schedule a visit to a luthier. Thanks for the advice
 
#6
John,

while I'm not saying not to take your bass to a pro, one thing you could do before you go there is to check the orientation of the bridge. Look at it from the side: is it leaning towards the fingerboard? If so, take tension off a bit, push tip down & tune up again. It may help, it may not, but keeping an eye on your bridge is always a good idea.
 
#7
The bass is set up well with good quality fixtures, bridge is well positioned. I am going to have the sound post looked at and I will report back. I assume others have had a similar experience with optimizing the sound of their instrument.
 
#12
musicman666 said:
Bass Feels Tight...
Maybe a stiff drink will loosen it up.
Click to expand...

Tight is slang for drunk...

Powerbass, I don't know if the tight feel and lack of richness to the sound are necessarily connected. Tightness sounds like a setup issue. Depth could be another story. My new Shen hybrid has a nice tone thanks to the carved top, but its' resonance is not the same compared to my old fully carved basses. I think that while a carved top buys you a lot of resonance compared to a plywood top, plywood ribs and back do not sound as rich as solid wood. My experience is limited, so YMMV.
 
#14
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
Tight is slang for drunk...

Powerbass, I don't know if the tight feel and lack of richness to the sound are necessarily connected. Tightness sounds like a setup issue. Depth could be another story. My new Shen hybrid has a nice tone thanks to the carved top, but its' resonance is not the same compared to my old fully carved basses. I think that while a carved top buys you a lot of resonance compared to a plywood top, plywood ribs and back do not sound as rich as solid wood. My experience is limited, so YMMV.
Click to expand...

That is the challenge of what I want to figure out about getting the sound in my head from my bass. the fully carved basses I've played just felt smoother and sounded richer. at this stage of my playing ability I am wanting more from my bass. I'm hoping at least I can make a relatively minor adjustment to improve it. I know a fully carved bass is in my future since I like that sound and feel.
 
#15
I went back and looked at my bridge. Decided to nudge it 1/16-1/8" south and it made a big difference. Some of the softness returned along with a richer tone. Amazing that such a small bit of realignment in the bridge can make such a difference. Thanks MostroDB!


MostroDB said:
John,

while I'm not saying not to take your bass to a pro, one thing you could do before you go there is to check the orientation of the bridge. Look at it from the side: is it leaning towards the fingerboard? If so, take tension off a bit, push tip down & tune up again. It may help, it may not, but keeping an eye on your bridge is always a good idea.
Click to expand...
 

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