Double Bass Bass resonates in a bad way on Bb-ish notes

[bassfetish]

Hi all,

I got my hands on a cheap plywood bass. It has one problem, though: when I play Bb (and this is more so in the lower register, and especially so on the A string) something that isn't supposed to vibrate does and it sends a crazy sound through the instrument. It is all but hidden when bowing but when played pizz it drives me crazy. Especially since I am currently playing a lot of jazz and well, Bb and F blues are now big problems.

I have tried making small adjustments to the bridge but I can't find a sweet spot that makes this go away.

Also, how odd is it that when the bridge is placed in the 'optimal position' that the scale length is off by about an inch or so? I forget the actual measurements, but it's longer than the recommended 41.3", closer to 42.5", if memory serves.

Thoughts? Also, it should be noted that this being a cheap plywood bass, I would prefer not to have to spend as much as I paid for it in repairs. If I could, I would have taken it to the shop already.

 

[Rebop]

something that isn't supposed to vibrate does

Check the endpin. You might need to pull it all the way out or almost all the way to check if that's the problem. If it is, just hacksaw a bunch off and you're set.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Hi all,

Also, how odd is it that when the bridge is placed in the 'optimal position' that the scale length is off by about an inch or so? I forget the actual measurements, but it's longer than the recommended 41.3", closer to 42.5", if memory serves.

If the bridge is placed with center of each foot even with the nicks in the f holes, which is the position the bridge is intended to sit in, then 42.5" is the correct string length for your bass. In other words, that is how the bass was designed. Nothing unusual about this at all and many older basses have longer than 42" string lengths. String lengths are not standardized at all and can range from 40.5"- 43" on 3/4-7/8 size instruments. String length is a personal preference and is one important element in choosing a bass that's right for you. 41.5" is a nice comfortable length for many players.

Regarding the problem with Bb on your bass, it could be many things and getting an evaluation with a bass luthier is probably the best way to pin it down. Could be a cheap fix, or something internal that might be $$$. Try changing the A string. Could be a "wolf tone". A wolf tone eliminator, which is a small brass weight attached to the tailpiece end string afterlength may help, if that's the problem.

 

[bassfetish]

Thanks, all. Will have a gander at the endpin and see if it sounds better without it.

 

[gtmalone]

I had a similar problem on a carved bass around A-Ab. The strings between the bridge and tailpiece would vibrate. I used a couple of pieces of soft rubber hose woven through the strings. You may have to slide the hose up or down to stop the wolf tone.

The wolf came back after I had changed strings and I found the the placement of the pickup jack made a difference, too. Good luck!