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Double Bass BSX Megathread

#461
John Chambliss said:
I prefer Solo strings tuned down to orchestra pitch on my BSX Allegro - currently using Perpetuals, but Spirocores are nice as well.
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The problem with mounting 3/4 sized (solo or regular orchestra) strings on the BSX is that you'll end up winding the strings beyond the silks onto the tuning pegs. Even with 1/2 sized strings, notice that the E-string wraps up on the tuner. I don't think the original 1/2 helicore hybrids are too tight on my BSX. They should be though right?
 
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#462
Yes, I have to “double loop” the E string through the tailpiece to prevent that from happening. I’ve heard that some folks shave down the silks a bit as another method. If the 1/2 sized Helicores don’t appear to have too much tension maybe there’s no reason to change to 3/4 sized strings.
 
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#463
I may have posted this earlier but I have made some modifications to my BSX Allegro to better handle 3/4 strings and more closely replicate the upright bass string geometry.
New bridge is welded up from aluminum channel and holds strings close to the end of the body, and higher up.
An arched section of the tailpiece simulates the wooden tailpiece profile.
Spacers made from drilled out aluminum rod are used to "shorten" strings further.
I also put silicone O-Rings under each string to dampen them a bit more.
There is also a wedge shaped piece of wood under the bridge to raise the lower strings up a bit.
 

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#465
Any advice on reducing unwanted noise from unplayed strings on the Allegro, particularly where your plucking finger or fingers hit the adjacent string? I'm trying plucking upwards classical style or damping the adjacent string with "spare" right hand fingers, haven't found a consistently good technique yet though. This is probably a general technique question rather than specific to the Allegro...
 
#467
John Chambliss said:
Yes, that’s more of a general question. Regardless, pluck down and through the string. You can use your left hand to help mute nearby strings. If you’re hearing overtones, you can run a thin strip of Velcro around the string after lengths.
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The issue is the thump from playing off for example the A string and my plucking finger hitting the E string after sounding the A, even with the E muted the thud on that E string is picked up by the piezo. I have a damper on my after lengths.
 
#469
John Chambliss said:
Sounds like a technique problem with how you're striking the A string. Look at some of the videos on YouTube about "Double Bass Right Hand Technique". As always, consider taking some lessons with an experienced double bass teacher.
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I've come to double bass from a background of classical cello and fretless bass guitar, with DB I'm making it up as I go along... plus piezo pickups are not forgiving of messy technique.
 
#471
I'll pay attention for that next time I'm playing my BSX, but I don't seem to hear what you're describing. My BSX plays cleanly and evenly across the strings. Have you fiddled with the individual string trim pots?

Also, along @DoubleMIDI idea of piezo impulse and using HPF, you might try a compressor.
 

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